“Yuan Sijun overcame the setback of being docked a frame in strange circumstances, after cruising his way past compatriot Ding Junhui with a 5-2 qualifying win in Sheffield. Yuan was penalised for returning late to the table to reduce his lead at 3-2, before going on to win the next two frames and book his place in the main draw. Meanwhile, there were wins for Sam Craigie and He Guoqiang.”