Mark Selby cut a relieved figure after booking his place in the second round of the World Championships with a narrow win over Zhao Xintong at the Crucible.
Selby lost out in the first round to Joe Perry 12 months ago but he wasn’t to make the same mistake twice, a 10-7 victory taking him through.
But it wasn’t without its difficulties against a strong qualifier in Zhao, who had led the match 3-0 before the Englishman – who lost his world No.1 mantle to Ronnie O’Sullivan pre-tournament – hit back with breaks of 102, 131 and 131.
He now goes on to face Gary Wilson for a place in the quarter-finals.
“I’m over the moon to go through, I knew it was going to be tough when the draw came out,” said the three-time world champion.
“Even though he’s a debutant, I know he’s such a laidback guy and nothing really fazes him – whatever the occasion, he’s going to play the game he plays.
“Some of the balls he pots are unbelievable, he’s very dangerous player and while he was missing a few, he’s a dangerous player to face at any stage.”
Watch the World Championship LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds
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