Xiao Guodong hits a hat-trick of century breaks in Xi'an Grand Prix snooker

The majority of opening round matches in the £850,000 tournament will be played over the next few days, although first round games involving several of the sport's biggest names have been held over to the main venue stages in China between August 19-25.

Xiao Guodong produced the most impressive display during the morning session as he made a trio of century breaks (101, 127, 130) as he defeated amateur Iulian Boiko, 5-2.

Scott Donaldson was the first player through to the last 64 after opponent Kok Leong Lim didn't show up, while former Snooker Shoot Out champion Thepchaiya Un-Nooh booked his place in the Far East as he saw off Lei Peifan 5-3 in a quality game, compiling breaks of 91, 86, 115 and 60 in the process.

Jamie Jones top scored with a 122 as he defeated Egypt's Mostafa Dorgham 5-2, and Ma Hailing recovered from 2-0 and 3-2 down to end the hopes of Martin O'Donnell, 5-3.

Sunny Akani enjoyed his return to the World Snooker Tour as the recent Asia-Oceania Q School graduate eliminated former European Masters champion Fan Zhengyi, 5-2.

Last season's World Snooker Tour Rookie of the Year He Guoqiang conjured up the best comeback of the session as he denied Ashley Carty, 5-4.

He won four consecutive frames from 3-0 down, and although Carty forced a deciding frame, the Chinese youngster progressed to a home event.