Xiao Guodong triumphed in a gripping contest against Mark Selby with a final score of 6-5 during the prestigious Champion of Champions event held at the Toughsheet Stadium in Bolton. This remarkable victory not only secured Xiao’s place in the semi-finals but also set the stage for an exciting face-off with his compatriot, Mark Allen. The match was characterized by its back-and-forth nature, with both players showcasing their exceptional skills and dramatic moments that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
Xiao entered the second match of the day with a surge of confidence. Having previously beaten the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan, Xiao appeared focused and sharp, especially given that he enjoyed a longer rest interval compared to Selby, who had just completed a physically taxing match against Shaun Murphy. The difference in breaks possibly influenced the initial phases of the game; Xiao began with a solid start, potting a red into the left corner followed by a black, and quickly assembling a series of red-black combinations. However, his early momentum hit a snag when he missed a blue, opening the door for Selby.
Mark Selby, renowned for his pinpoint accuracy and tactical finesse, took full advantage of Xiao’s misplaced shot. He demonstrated his stellar skill set by effortlessly clearing the table and wrapping up the first frame with an impressive 91-break. As the match progressed into the second frame, Selby displayed consistency and poise, even benefitting from a lucky fluke on a red. His 59 break in this round further solidified his dominance, leaving Xiao reeling and trailing 2-0.
Despite a challenging start, Xiao remembered his earlier comeback against O’Sullivan and maintained his composure. He appeared determined to fight back. However, further setbacks followed as Selby once again showcased his talent with a stunning 120 clearance, extending his lead to 3-0. This was a pivotal moment for Xiao, who needed to summon his competitive spirit. He responded fiercely, making an excellent 118 clearance in the fourth frame, finally getting on the scoreboard and narrowing Selby’s lead to 3-1.
Selby’s responses remained calm, quickly restoring his momentum. As both players exchanged safety shots in the fifth frame, it was Selby who managed to pot an impressive red and go on to secure a 64 break, extending his lead to 4-1. Xiao, however, wasn’t ready to back down. He came roaring back into contention with a well-crafted 80 break, bringing the score to 4-2. The momentum began to shift as Selby, who previously enjoyed unwavering control, started making uncharacteristic mistakes.
Leading up to the next frames, Selby found himself in precarious snookered situations but managed to navigate through them. Nonetheless, Xiao capitalized on a rare opportunity, taking the frame with a break of 59. He closed in on Selby, reducing the deficit to 4-3. The tension in the arena intensified as Xiao continued his impressive rise, ultimately tying the match at 4-4 after another skillful break resulted in successive victories.
Having led initially with a score of 4-1, Selby now faced an unexpected challenge from the rejuvenated Xiao. Yet, Selby, a seasoned professional, steadied himself with critical pots in the ninth frame, including green and blue, allowing him to edge back into the lead at 5-4. As they entered a crucial tenth frame, the tension in the atmosphere thickened significantly, underscored by a combination of careful safety play from both contestants.
As the match progressed toward its climax, Xiao’s persistence paid off when he leveled the scores at 5-5 after a tense exchange. With the clock approaching midnight, a significant re-rack occurred due to the stalemate in the frame, allowing Selby to regain some initial control. Yet, both players faced mounting pressure; fatigued from the drawn-out contest, they misfired on potting opportunities.
Ultimately, it was Xiao who capitalized on a critical moment—potting involved colors and taking advantage of Selby’s missed shots to claim victory by potting the pink ball. This thrilling conclusion marked an astonishing comeback in a match that was as much a test of resilience as it was of skill. Xiao’s triumphant performance not only secured him a place in the semi-finals but also underscored the unpredictable and thrilling nature of professional snooker. This match was indeed one for the ages, showcasing the high stakes and intense emotions embodied in the sport. Fans can continue to follow more compelling snooker action, including future matches from this tournament, live and on-demand on discovery+.
