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Why the Shenzhen Open is a huge week for five snooker stars

metro.co.uk · 15h · first reportShare

Kyren Wilson is in need of some victories in ranking events (Picture: Getty Images) The Shenzhen Open begins for the first time on Monday, with the Xi’an Grand Prix having uprooted and changed its name to suit its new location. There were just two editions of the Xi’an Grand Prix, but the promoter fancied a change and it sees big time snooker return to Shenzhen for the first time in a long time. Ronnie O’Sullivan won the China Open in Shenzhen 26 years ago, beating Mark Williams in the 2000 final. Remarkably, the two men are in the draw again as the tour returns to the city. Williams comes into the rebadged event as defending champion thanks to his record-breaking win over Shaun Murphy in the last Xi’an Grand Prix final. The great Welshman became the oldest ever ranking event winner and he came close to breaking his own record earlier this month when he made it to the English Open final, losing out to Ali Carter. As all the big names land in Shenzhen there is plenty on the line for all