Shaun Murphy finally got his defence of the World Open under way with a 5-1 defeat of Sanderson Lam in Yushan.
It’s more than two years since then 2005 world champion got his hands on the World Open trophy in Haikou but he safely negotiated his held over qualifying round in China.
The Englishman enjoyed runs of 75 and 61 as all four held over matches resulted in victories for the seeded stars.
World champion Mark Selby dominated his tie with legend Jimmy White while home favourites Ding Junhui and Liang Wenbo came through their respective ties with Michael Georgiou and Chris Wakelin.
In a busy day of action, recent Indian Open champion Anthony McGill and his beaten finalist Kyren Wilson both made it through to the last 32.
Despite the fact that the format increased to the best of nine, there were a few upsets as Stephen Maguire, Michael White and Mark Davis all fell by the wayside.
Scotland’s Maguire fought well but could never get in front as Xiao Guodong controlled a deciding frame thriller, while Kurt Maflin and Tom Ford edged White and Davis.
Two-time ranking event champion Marco Fu also lost, as Snookerbacker Classic champion Sam Craigie emerged a 5-3 winner against the 38 year-old.
It was better for 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham, who narrowly pipped Stuart Carrington 5-4, while Barry Hawkins came through a nervy encounter with Robbie Williams in a decider.
Welsh duo Mark Williams and Ryan Day enjoyed comprehensive 5-1 triumphs as ranking event runners-up David Gilbert and Ben Woollaston also advanced.
Crucible semi-finalist Alan McManus came from 3-1 down to beat Jamie Cope 5-3 while Thepchaiya Un-Nooh also won his last three frames to beat Mark King 5-4.
In the wildcard round there were two pro casualties, as is the norm, with James Wattana and Hammad Miah going down to Xu Si and Huang Jiahao.
