The Wuhan Open semi-finals delivered pure snooker drama! Gary Wilson powered through Mark Allen, while defending champion Xiao Guodong kept his title defense alive against Mark Williams. Get ready for an unmissable final clash between these two titans. Who do you think will lift the trophy this Saturday?
The prestigious Wuhan Open 2025 has culminated in a thrilling final showdown, with England’s Gary Wilson set to challenge the formidable defending champion, China’s Xiao Guodong, after a series of captivating semi-final encounters that showcased the pinnacle of professional snooker.
Wilson, known as “The Tyneside Terror,” secured his place in the highly anticipated final by overcoming Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen in a commanding 6-2 victory. His performance was marked by impressive offensive play, including significant breaks of 113, 78, 77, and 70, as he steadily dismantled Allen’s challenge by winning the last five frames of their intense match.
Despite Wilson’s dominance, Allen did not go down without a fight, demonstrating his own formidable skill with a superb 135 total clearance in a re-racked second frame and a further run of 66. He initially took a 2-1 lead, and even built a 54-0 advantage in frame six, before Wilson’s resilience and a crucial long red paved the way for a 78-break clearance that turned the tide.
In the other semi-final, local hero Xiao Guodong successfully continued his quest to defend his Wuhan Open title, defeating Welsh snooker veteran Mark Williams 6-3. Xiao’s triumph extends his remarkable winning streak at the tournament, underscoring his consistent form and determination to retain the coveted trophy on home soil.
The match between Xiao and Williams was a tense affair, with Williams initially taking the first frame on the black after Xiao had established a significant lead. The three-time World Champion showed flashes of brilliance, including an 81 break and a 58 contribution in the ninth frame, but ultimately, Xiao’s nerveless 69 clearance on the black sealed his victory and his spot in the final.
Xiao demonstrated his composure under pressure, particularly when he needed a decisive clearance to secure frames. A timely one-visit frame with a break of 80 gave him the lead for the first time, and his calculated potting of the yellow and green in another crucial moment allowed him to level the scores, setting the stage for his eventual win.
The stage is now set for a captivating final between Wilson and Xiao Guodong, promising an enthralling conclusion to the Wuhan Open. Snooker enthusiasts worldwide can catch all the live action and drama of the final on Saturday, available for viewing on TNT Sports and streaming live on discovery+.
Both finalists have displayed exceptional skill and mental fortitude throughout the tournament. Wilson’s powerful scoring and tactical prowess, combined with Xiao’s consistent high-level play and experience as a defending champion, set the scene for what is expected to be a memorable encounter that will determine the 2025 Wuhan Open champion.