The International Championship begins in Nanjing on 31 October, and its qualifying round produced a striking range of stories. Jimmy White, 64, fought through a deciding frame against Matthew Stevens. Liam Davies, 20, beat Anthony McGill 6-1. Mina Awad, playing only his second professional match, won 6-1 too. Their routes raise a lively question ahead of the main event: what makes a qualifier's run most compelling - experience, a breakthrough, or a shock?
Verified highlights from the International Championship qualifying round
Beat Matthew Stevens 6-5 after leading 5-2 and being pegged back.
Defeated Anthony McGill to qualify for the final stages.
Won 6-1 over Zak Surety in only his second professional match.
Recovered to beat Leone Crowley 6-5; Wilson made the event's highest break to that point, 142.
The International Championship is scheduled to run in China across these dates.