In a thrilling encounter at the Xi’an Grand Prix on Thursday, Chinese snooker player Xu Si stunned three-time world champion Mark Williams with a 5-4 victory to secure his place in the quarterfinals.
Xu, who had battled through a grueling nine-frame match against England’s former world champion Stuart Bingham in the previous round, showcased resilience and determination against the seasoned Welshman. Despite trailing 4-2 after six frames, Xu capitalized on Williams’ unforced errors in the seventh frame, turning the tide of the match.
As the match progressed, Xu appeared to grow stronger, displaying impeccable focus and skill. In the decisive ninth frame, he compiled a century break, sealing his victory and becoming the sole Chinese player to advance to the quarterfinals. Xu is set to face England’s reigning world champion Kyren Wilson in the next round.
Gong Chenzhi Narrowly Misses Quarterfinals
Elsewhere in the tournament, Xu’s compatriot Gong Chenzhi faced a heartbreaking 5-4 defeat against English veteran Matt Selt. Gong had impressed spectators with victories over Tom Ford and Si Jiahui, positioning himself as a strong contender for the quarterfinals. However, Selt orchestrated a remarkable comeback, clinching the penultimate frame on the black ball before taking the decider.
Dominant Performances by O’Sullivan and Trump
Ronnie O’Sullivan, known as “The Rocket,” continued his dominant run with a flawless 5-0 victory over Iran’s Hossein Vafaei. The Englishman has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, boasting an aggregate frame score of 20-3 after defeating Wang Yuchen, Bulcsu Revesz, Yuan Sijun, and Vafaei. O’Sullivan will face Matt Selt in a much-anticipated quarterfinal match.
Meanwhile, title favorite Judd Trump secured his quarterfinal spot by defeating Wales’ Jak Jones 5-1. The “Juddernaut” will face fellow Englishman David Gilbert in the last eight, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
The Xi’an Grand Prix continues to captivate snooker enthusiasts around the globe, showcasing high-level competition and remarkable talent. Fans eagerly await the upcoming matches as players vie for a place in the semifinals.
Reference(s):
China's Xu Si battles back to upset Mark Williams at Xi'an Grand Prix
cgtn.com
