China's defending snooker champion Xiao Guodong delivered a masterclass performance at the WST Wuhan Open semi-finals on Friday, overcoming Welsh legend Mark Williams 6-3 to secure his second consecutive final berth in the tournament.
The 36-year-old from the Chinese mainland showcased nerves of steel in a tense match against the three-time world champion. After establishing a 3-2 lead with a crucial 75 break in the fifth frame, Xiao weathered Williams' comeback attempt when the 50-year-old veteran leveled at 3-3. Undeterred, Xiao responded with an 80-point clearance in the seventh frame before clinching the eighth to force a decisive ninth frame.
Williams appeared poised to extend the match with a 58-point lead in the final frame, but a missed blue ball proved costly. Xiao seized the opportunity with a brilliant 68-point break, sending the Wuhan crowd into raptures. The victory sets up a championship clash against England's Gary Wilson in a best-of-19 frames final on Sunday.
This marks Xiao's third career ranking final appearance, reinforcing his status as one of Asia's top snooker talents. The Wuhan Open continues to highlight China's growing influence in global snooker, with home players claiming three of the tournament's four semi-final spots.
