Anthony Hamilton, who beat China's Zhang Dong Taowon 5-1 in the first round, criticised Ronnie O'Sullivan's late withdrawal from the China Open. O'Sullivan withdrew from the event on Friday, citing medical reasons.
"You've got to come away and try to promote the game overseas, especially here because this place is the future," Hamilton, from Nottingham, said.
"It's a shame certain people don't recognise that or, if they do, blatantly ignore it."
Hamilton, the world number 25 from Nottingham, lost 9-8 to Mark Williams in the final when the China Open was last staged three years ago in Shanghai.
Elsewhere in the first round, local hero Ding Jun-Hui defeated Mark Davis 5-2 to set up a meeting with regular practice partner Peter Ebdon.
 |  I need to be stronger mentally |
"I didn't have any dinner before the match, just one banana at the interval because I was so nervous," said Ding. "Everyone was hoping I'd win so I was under a bit of pressure. I need to be stronger mentally."
Thailand's Kobkit Palajin, who plays on snooker's second division Challenge Tour, became the third Asian wildcard entry to advance.
Palajin followed the example of Bahrain's Habib Subah and China's Liang Wen Bo with a 5-1 victory over Northern Ireland's Gerard Greene. He next faces Hong Kong's Marco Fu.
Adrian Gunnell, from Telford, goes through to play Chris Small having beaten China's Zhang Kai 5-1.
Michael Holt, Rob Milkins and Ali Carter also progressed to the second round at the expense of Chinese opponents.
Holt beat Cai Jian Zhong 5-3 to book a clash with Steve Davis, while Carter will meet Paul Hunter after a 5-1 win over Cao Xin Long.
Gloucester's Milkins will play Stephen Hendry after a tense 5-3 win over Liu Song.
Ricky Walden overcame Pang Wei Guo 5-2, and Stuart Bingham beat Cao Kai Sheng 5-1.
MMIX
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