Zhang Anda produced a sensational display to defeat world champion Zhao Xintong 6-2, advancing to the quarter-finals of the UK Championship 2025 at York Barbican. The 33-year-old Chinese star, now reaching his third consecutive quarter-final in York, will face Englishman Shaun Murphy, who overcame John Higgins in a dramatic 6-5 decider.

Zhang Anda’s Impressive Victory Over Zhao Xintong

After losing the opening frame of the all-Chinese encounter, Zhang responded with back-to-back century breaks, sharing the first four frames with Zhao. Zhao, uncharacteristically missing routine pots, was punished as Zhang dominated post-interval, winning three consecutive frames with breaks of 87, 69, and 73 before sealing the match in a tense eighth frame.

“I played so well; there were three frames where I scored heavily and Xintong did not play well. It was my day,” Zhang told BBC Sport.
“In the first session, I made two centuries and it was very good stuff from me. In the fourth frame, I missed some simple shots but I told myself to forget it—I am playing well, I can beat him.”

Despite their shared training at the Sheffield academy, Zhang was still considered the underdog. Zhao, who gained global recognition after winning the UK title in 2021 and later becoming the first Chinese player to triumph at the Crucible, acknowledged Zhang’s quality:

“We practice every day together, so we know each other well, but sometimes today I missed some easy shots that I never miss. When he plays well he can beat anyone.”

Shaun Murphy Comes From Behind to Defeat John Higgins

English snooker veteran Shaun Murphy produced one of his most memorable victories, overturning deficits of 4-1 and 5-3 to defeat John Higgins 6-5. Higgins, seeking his first UK Championship final since 2010, looked poised to reach the last eight after registering two 70+ breaks, including a 78 and 60, to establish a strong lead.

Murphy clawed back with breaks of 89 and 53, forcing an 11th frame, which he clinched after Higgins missed a key yellow.

“It’s the old cliché of one ball at a time. Any time you play any of the Class of 92, you need your best, and any win has to be celebrated. Particularly from that position, it is one of the best wins of my life,” Murphy said.

Ding Junhui Edges Past Scott Donaldson

Three-time UK champion Ding Junhui also progressed after a thrilling 6-5 victory against Scotland’s Scott Donaldson, highlighted by a superb century break. Donaldson, who had shocked Stuart Bingham in qualifying and defeated Mark Allen, was relentless but ultimately fell short in the decider.

“When I saw the chance, I just wanted to take it,” Ding said.
“He has talent, he is a good player. I just want him to move on because what he showed in the last three frames was top class.”

Donaldson reflected on the high-pressure match:

“The fight was good. That is what these top guys do when the pressure is really on. It’s a tough game, but I am proud of the way I fought.”

Quarter-Final Line-Up Shaping Up

With his win, Zhang will face Murphy, creating a compelling quarter-final matchup. Meanwhile, Ding will meet world number one Judd Trump, and Barry Hawkins, the beaten finalist from last year, will play Mark Selby after a convincing 6-0 win over Elliot Slessor.

Zhang’s consistent performance in York and ability to challenge top players like Zhao demonstrates that he is a formidable contender for the UK Championship title, while Murphy’s resilience highlights his enduring class on the snooker table.