LONDON -  Newly-crowned Masters champion Yan Bingtao of China breezed through the first round at the Welsh Snooker Open after defeating compatriot Xu Si 4-1 in Newport, Wales on Tuesday.

Just a month ago, the 21-year-old Yan beat veteran John Higgins to clinch the Masters title as a debutant of the tournament, becoming the youngest Masters champion since Ronnie O'Sullivan won the event in 1995 at the age of 19.

Just a month ago, the 21-year-old Yan beat veteran John Higgins to clinch the Masters title as a debutant of the tournament, becoming the youngest Masters champion since Ronnie O'Sullivan won the event in 1995 at the age of 19

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The Chinese hopeful joined the Welsh Open with a ranking of world No. 12. Although he lost the opening frame on Tuesday, he was unmatched by his world No. 78 opponent over the following four frames.

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Yan will meet French player Brian Ochoiski in the next round.

China's top player Ding Junhui booked his second-round berth by beating compatriot Lyu Haotian 4-1 on Monday.