On the evening of February 11, 2025, the atmosphere at the Welsh Open snooker tournament was electrifying as Ma Hailong, a promising young talent from Changping, Dongguan, achieved a remarkable upset. Competing against the renowned "Magician" Shaun Murphy, Ma staged a thrilling comeback to win the match 4-3, securing his place in the top 32.

The Welsh Open is a prestigious event with a deep-rooted history, previously known as the Welsh Professional Championship. Ma Hailong demonstrated impressive skill throughout the qualifying rounds, successfully advancing to the main event of the 2025 tournament. His first opponent in the main draw was none other than Shaun Murphy, who had recently won the Masters with a stunning 147 break.

In the match, Ma initially took the lead with breaks of 54 and 73, going 2-0 up. However, Murphy fought back, showcasing his prowess with breaks of 127, 100, and 82, turning the score around to 3-2. Undeterred, Ma adjusted his mindset and delivered a crucial break of 77 in the sixth frame, forcing the match into a deciding frame. In a tense final frame, Ma maintained his composure and secured a break of 53, ultimately achieving the comeback victory.

This win marks a historic milestone as Ma Hailong becomes the first post-2000 generation player from China to defeat Shaun Murphy, setting a new precedent in Chinese snooker. Furthermore, this victory significantly boosts Ma's chances of retaining his professional status.

Dongguan, particularly the Changping district, has been actively fostering a strong snooker community, with efforts from local government and associations aimed at establishing a comprehensive training system for emerging talents. As a student at the CBSA World Snooker Academy's Guangdong branch, Ma has been dedicated to honing his skills through rigorous training and competitive engagements.

As Ma Hailong continues to rise through the ranks, he is poised to showcase the capabilities and potential of the new generation of Chinese snooker players, injecting fresh energy into the sport's development in Dongguan and beyond.