New kid on the block Aaron Hill crashed out of the English Open at the first hurdle.
The Irish young gun burst on the snooker scene by knocking out world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan at the recent European Masters - his first pro event.
His dazzling run to the last 16 included another impressive scalp in the form of two-time world finalist Matthew Stevens.
But the talented Cork teenager failed to recreate that fantastic form as he slumped to a disappointing opening-day defeat tonight in Milton Keynes.
The 18-year-old slipped to a 4-2 loss to China’s Chang Bingyu at the Marshall Arena.
Hill hit his straps straight away as he took the opening frame.
But he conspired to lose three of the next four frames to be sent packing.
World No 80 Bingyu deservedly progressed with 58 and 51 breaks.
Antrim ace Mark Allen saw off former Northern Ireland Open champion Mark King 4-2.World No 5 Allen pocketed breaks of 69, 60 and 55 to reach the last 64.
Fellow Northern Irishman Gerard Greene was crushed 4-1 by Robbie Williams.
World No 2 O’Sullivan showed off pink nails, in support of breast cancer awareness charity Future Dreams, as he overcame a 2-0 deficit to oust French youngster Brian Ochioski 4-2.
Breaks of 51, 113, 55 and 52 did the damage for the Rocket.
Stuart Carrington failed a COVID-19 test with Sam Craigie also having to withdraw after coming into contact with the Grimsby potter.
Three-time world champion Mark Williams withdrew due to personal reasons.
Antrim’s Jordan Brown is in action against Welsh veteran Lee Walker tomorrow morning.
Former world champion Ken Doherty takes on promising Chinese talent Xu Si, whilst fellow Irish veteran Fergal O’Brien faces a tough test in the form of 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham.
