Shocking Exits and Maximum Break Light Up Xi’an Grand Prix Qualifiers

The qualifying stage of the 2025 Xi’an Grand Prix produced major surprises as four-time world champion John Higgins tumbled out of the tournament following a 5–3 loss to Liam Pullen. Higgins, who recently expressed a lack of motivation this season, will not feature in the main event in Xi’an.

China’s Zhang Anda also fell in a dramatic final-frame decider against Farakh Ajaib, losing 5–4 on the black ball. The defeat deals a significant blow to Zhang’s hopes of retaining a top 16 ranking amid impending points deductions.

By contrast, several top players safely advanced. Mark Allen edged past Mitchell Mann 5–4 in a hard-fought battle, while Shaun Murphy delivered a strong 5–0 whitewash of Liam Highfield. Other notable qualifiers included Mark Selby, Barry Hawkins, Si Jiahui, and Stephen Maguire.

The event also saw a spectacular moment as Zhou Yuelong compiled a maximum 147 break during his 5–2 win over Julien Leclercq. This is already the eighth official maximum of the young 2025/26 season, putting the single-season record of 15 under threat.

Additional surprise results included Jack Lisowski’s 5–4 loss to rookie Xu Yichen and a bizarre retirement from Luca Brecel, who conceded his match at 2–0 down while reportedly using an unfamiliar cue.

Several star players—including Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Neil Robertson, Zhao Xintong, and Ding Junhui—had their first-round matches held over and will play them at the main venue.

The Xi’an Grand Prix main event will take place from October 7–13, with the champion earning £177,000.