BELFAST — In one of the most stunning upsets of the 2023 snooker season, Northern Ireland's own Jordan Brown produced a masterclass to whitewash world champion Zhao Xintong 4-0 in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.
The local hero, ranked 72nd in the world and affectionately known as the "Antrim Ferrari," delivered a performance of immense quality and nerve against the world number three, compiling breaks of 70, 65, and 56 in a one-sided affair that sent shockwaves through the tournament. For Brown, this victory was a monumental return to form on home turf, a stark contrast to his struggles since his fairytale victory at the 2021 Welsh Open.
The atmosphere was electric as Brown, feeding off the energy of the supportive Belfast crowd, dominated from the outset. He never allowed Zhao, the 2021 UK Champion and one of the sport's most explosive talents, to settle into any sort of rhythm. The comprehensive nature of the win left pundits and fans alike in a state of disbelief.
A Dream Start and Unrelenting Pressure
From the moment the first ball was struck, it was clear Brown was on a mission. He seized the initiative in the opening frame, capitalizing on uncharacteristic errors from Zhao to build a commanding lead. A break of 70 in the first frame set the tone, sending a clear message to the Chinese superstar that he was in for a formidable challenge. Brown's safety play was particularly impeccable, repeatedly leaving Zhao tangled in difficult positions and snookers.
Zhao, known for his fluid, attacking style, was given few opportunities to unleash his heavy scoring power. When he did get chances, unforced errors crept into his game, a testament to the pressure Brown was applying. The second and third frames followed a similar pattern, with Brown constructing well-made breaks of 65 and 56 to extend his lead to a seemingly unassailable 3-0. The Waterfront Hall crowd grew louder with each pot, their roars fueling the local underdog.
Brown's Emotional Reaction to the Victory
Speaking to reporters after the match, an emotional and visibly thrilled Brown reflected on the significance of the win. "To beat the world champion 4-0 here in Belfast is just unbelievable," he said. "I knew I had to be at my best, and thankfully I was. I felt good out there, I was focused on my own game, and I'm just over the moon to get the win in front of my home fans. They were incredible and gave me a massive lift."
He also acknowledged the difficult period he has endured since his shock Welsh Open triumph, where he defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan in a final-frame decider. "It's been a tough 18 months, there's no hiding from that. A win like this, against a player of Zhao's caliber, does wonders for your confidence. It reminds you that you belong at this level."
Tactical Mastery and Key Statistics
A deeper look at the match statistics reveals the extent of Brown's dominance. He won the vast majority of the tactical battles, and his long-potting success rate was significantly higher than Zhao's. The Chinese star, usually so prolific, was kept to a meager points tally, unable to register a single half-century break in the entire match—a rarity for a player of his offensive prowess.
Brown's performance was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He picked his moments to attack perfectly and demonstrated a level of tactical discipline that completely nullified his opponent's strengths. The key factors in his victory included:
- Superior safety play and tactical awareness
- High break-building efficiency
- Capitalizing on every mistake Zhao made
The Wider Impact on the Tournament
This result immediately throws the bottom half of the draw wide open. Zhao Xintong was considered one of the pre-tournament favorites, and his early exit provides a massive opportunity for other contenders. For Brown, the path forward is now filled with renewed possibility. The victory not only earns him a place in the second round but also provides a crucial boost to his ranking points and season momentum.
The snooker world was quick to react on social media, with fellow players and commentators hailing Brown's performance as one of the best of his career. The win serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable and dramatic nature of professional snooker, where on any given day, a determined underdog can topple a giant of the game.
Looking Ahead for the Antrim Ferrari
With the monkey off his back, Brown will now look to build on this landmark victory. The Northern Ireland Open represents a chance for him to recapture the magic that made him a ranking event winner. His next opponent will be wary of facing a player brimming with confidence and backed by a fervent home crowd. For one night in Belfast, Jordan Brown was not just a local hopeful; he was a giant-killer, and his 4-0 demolition of Zhao Xintong will be remembered as one of the great opening-day shocks in the tournament's history.
As the dust settles, the focus for Brown shifts to consistency. "This is just one match, but it's a massive step in the right direction," he stated. "I need to take this feeling, this performance, and bring it into the next match. The crowd will be behind me again, and I can't wait to get back out there."
