China's snooker world champion Zhao Xintong delivered a career-defining performance in Nanjing on Thursday, overcoming England's Mark Selby 6-5 in a thrilling quarterfinal at the World Snooker Tour International Championship. The victory sets up an unprecedented all-Chinese semifinal against rising star Wu Yize.
In a match that saw seven half-century breaks and two centuries, Zhao reversed a 4-2 deficit against the four-time world champion, who had dominated their previous five encounters. The 28-year-old from Xi'an showcased his signature attacking style, clinching three consecutive frames before sealing victory with a decisive 63-break in the final frame.
'This win proves Chinese snooker can compete at the highest level,' said tournament organizer Li Wei, noting that three Chinese players remain in contention for the title. The result comes seven months after Zhao made history as Asia's first Crucible Theatre world champion.
Wu Yize, 24, earned his semifinal berth by defeating former UK Championship winner Zhao Jianbo earlier in the day. The matchup marks China's strongest showing in a major ranking event since Ding Junhui's 2016 World Championship final appearance.
The other semifinal will feature England's Judd Trump against Thailand's Noppon Saengkham, ensuring Asian representation in both championship-deciding matches. The tournament concludes Sunday with a £175,000 top prize at stake.
