In a thrilling showdown at the Wuhan Open, China's Xiao Guodong pulled off an epic upset against world No.2 Kyren Wilson of England, clinching a nail-biting 5-4 victory and advancing to the round of 16! 😱🏆
Wilson came out strong, firing two impressive 63 breaks to take an early 2-0 lead. But Xiao wasn't about to let that slide. He rallied back, snagging the third frame on the black after needing snookers, and leveled the match at 2-2. Talk about a comeback! 🔥
Xiao kept the momentum going, grabbing the next two frames to surge ahead. Wilson, not one to back down, answered with two century breaks of 118 and 108, tying things up at 4-4. The tension was real! 😬
In a heart-pounding decider, Xiao edged out Wilson 61-44 to seal the deal. \"Kyren is ranked No.2 in the world and became World Champion this year, so I kept a clear head and reminded myself to be patient for my chances,\" Xiao said. \"Whether I was leading or trailing, I couldn't let my guard down. When I compete in China, I really want to win. Having fans and my family in the audience makes me want to play at my best. Thankfully, I managed to get the result today.\" 🎉
Up next, Xiao will face England's Barry Hawkins. Can't wait to see what's next! 👀
Meanwhile, home favorite Ding Junhui cruised past compatriot Yuan Sijun with a 5-2 victory, not only reaching the round of 16 but also avenging his defeat from last year. 💪
After a 1-1 tie, Ding dominated with breaks of 95 and 110 to lead 3-1. Yuan fought back with a break of 82, but Ding sealed the match by taking the last two frames. \"Chinese players are improving their technical skills and gaining more experience; they are getting better,\" Ding said. \"They have become familiar with the different styles of players, and Chinese competitors stand out in various events now.\" He'll face Chris Wakelin of England next. 🏓
The Wuhan Open is heating up, and we can't get enough! Stay tuned for more exciting matches. 🎱🔥
Reference(s):
China's Xiao Guodong upsets world No. 2 Kyren Wilson at Wuhan Open
cgtn.com
