Kyren Wilson finds his rhythm at English Open, Neil Robertson stunned by Luo Zetao

Kyren Wilson walked into his match against Mateusz Baranowski with no need for big statements. Only one week after a heavy defeat at the British Open, the 2026 world champion once again had to prove he had not been left behind. In the quiet atmosphere of the Brentwood arena, Wilson did what was necessary: he played solidly, waited for the opponent to make mistakes, and left the table with a place in the second round of the English Open. He will now face Chang Bingyu, the recent Wuhan Open champion, in a match that should offer a clearer answer about the form of the Englishman. The context could hardly have been more troubling. Last week in Cheltenham, Wilson suffered a comprehensive loss to Liam Highfield in the last 32 of the British Open. That was not just a defeat. It was a performance in which Wilson lost control at key moments, allowing his opponent to dictate the rhythm and forcing the former world champion to leave the tournament far too early. Against Baranowski, Wilson was calm. He did not try to finish every frame with a spectacular shot. Instead, he built points patiently, kept his rival away from the table and established a commanding position. Two consecutive half-centuries came at exactly the right time, carrying him safely into the next round. It was not flashy snooker, but it was effective snooker. Wilson’s reward is a meeting with Chang Bingyu, a player full of confidence after winning the Wuhan Open. Chang is no longer an unknown youngster. He has shown the ability to manage matches, handle pressure and finish deciding frames with the composure of a winner. For Wilson, this is a far bigger test. The match will show whether his performance against Baranowski was a real sign of recovery or merely a comfortable evening against an inferior opponent. The opening day also produced a major shock. Neil Robertson, a two-time winner of the English Open, was beaten 4-3 by Luo Zetao, a player ranked 117 in the world. For a player of Robertson’s class, losing so early to someone outside the top 100 is a painful result. It also reflected the new reality of snooker: no seed is safe, no reputation wins matches on its own. Chris Wakelin continued his habit of winning tight matches, defeating Louis Heathcote in another final-frame decider. Zhang Anda and Ding Junhui also advanced on the opening day. The strength of Chinese snooker was visible once again, while established names must fight harder than ever to stay alive. Wilson now knows exactly what lies ahead. Chang Bingyu will attack, create pressure and force him into uncomfortable situations. If Wilson can remain patient and avoid reckless shots, this could become the turning point of his season. A victory over the Wuhan Open champion would send a clear message that he can still beat the best players in the world. Robertson, meanwhile, will have time to reflect on his defeat. His response will define his season. Wilson, for now, has at least given himself another chance to breathe. The road is still long, but the opening round offered a glimpse of a fighter who refuses to disappear.