Zhang Anda kept his best run in a ranking event going as he won a Chinese derby against Liu Hongyu 6-2 to set up a final clash with Judd Trump at the BetVictor English Open.
World number 57 Zhang knocked out Ronnie O’Sullivan in the last 16 earlier in the week and carried his momentum into the quarter and semi-finals to set up the biggest day of his career so far. He will battle Trump over a possible 17 frames at the Brentwood Centre on Sunday, with an £80,000 top prize and the Steve Davis Trophy at stake.
Zhang had never been past the quarter-finals of a ranking event before this week, but he kept his composure tonight to outplay tour rookie Liu. His previous career highlights include appearances at the Crucible in 2010, 2015 and 2016 as well as victory in the Asian Under-21 Championship back in 2009 and making his first official 147 in 2022. But the player who first turned pro 14 years ago is now breaking new ground at the age of 31.
Trump will start the final a strong favourite, though Zhang can take confidence from the fact that he has won two of their six previous meetings.
In the opening frame tonight, Zhang trailed 52-8 but hit back to take it with a 59 clearance. In the second, he was 39-54 behind when he trapped his opponent in a tough snooker on the yellow, and from the chance that followed he went 2-0 ahead. Liu had first chance in the third but missed a red to top corner on 29, and Zhang’s runs of 27 and 41 extended his lead.
Frame four came down to the colours and Zhang was fortunate to snooker Liu after missing a tricky pot on the blue to a baulk corner. Liu hit the blue, but left it close enough to a centre pocket for Zhang to go 4-0 up at the interval. World number 57 Zhang had a chance in the fifth but missed a mid-range pot on the last red when he trailed 22-45, and Liu got one on the board.
Zhang’s run of 52 helped him dominate the seventh, then Liu added some respectability to the scoreline with a 68 for 5-2. But Zhang soon wrapped up the result with runs of 31 and 46 in frame eight.
“Neither of us played well today and I felt a bit nervous,” admitted Zhang. “I was playing the one table set-up for the first time. Liu wasn’t able to clear up when he got chances. His safety was good but I was more aggressive.
“I’m not feeling surprised, this wasn’t unexpected for me. I feel fine about the final. This is what I have been trying to achieve for years and I’ve put in a lot of effort.
“Judd is an aggressive player and he’s got that fighting spirit, he is also very good at break building. He’s pretty much flawless. Maybe he’s not the best tactical player, but he still plays much better safety than me.
“I won’t have too much on my mind because I’ve done well this week anyway. I’m happy with myself, but it would be a dream come true tomorrow if I win, to become a champion.”
