Champion of Champions 2024: Xiao Guodong apologises to Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby after back-to-back great escapes
Published 15/11/2024 at 08:27 GMT
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Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby have 11 world titles between them, but it would be fair to say reputations count for little at the coveted Champion of Champions event in Bolton. Fresh from winning his first ranking event at the Wuhan Open, Xiao Guodong showed why he is playing at the peak of his powers with two stunning comeback wins. "I'm so sorry to Ronnie and Mark," said a humble Xiao.
Xiao secures his first ranking title at the Wuhan Open
Video credit: TNT Sports
Xiao Guodong produced rousing back-to-back comeback victories in one of the sport's greatest escape acts against multiple Crucible winners Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby to book his spot in the Champion of Champions semi-finals in Bolton.
After surging back from 3-0 down to edge out O'Sullivan 4-3 in the afternoon at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, the Wuhan Open champion again showed his fighting qualities from 4-1 down against Mark Selby in the evening session to complete a glorious 6-5 victory.
The 35-year-old will next face defending champion Mark Allen in the opening semi-final on Friday night as he bids to become the first Asian player to lift the elite Champion of Champions crown and claim the £150,000 first prize.
The world No. 16 enjoyed a massive fluke on the last yellow in a taut final frame against Selby before holing what seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry described as a "world-class" pot in stunning in a long green before mopping up brown, blue and pink to seal his progress.
His win over Selby came after he somehow recovered from 3-0 down against O'Sullivan without having registered a single point to stun the four-time winner and an expectant crowd in Bolton.
"I think this is my best ever win, and also against Ronnie," he said on ITV. "I didn't think I could win this match because in the first three frames I didn't pot one ball."
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‘He's been reduced to a spectator’ – Murphy applauds as Xiao knocks in third century in a row
Video credit: TNT Sports
O'Sullivan eased 3-0 ahead with breaks of 65, 95 and 125 before his opponent rolled in 130, 88 and 85 on his way to a second career win over the seven-time world champion in six meetings.
"I'm still can't believe I won against two legends," Xiao told reporters. "I'm very happy to win, but I'm so sorry to Ronnie and Mark Selby as they also played good, and the last frame I got some luck.
"You have to enjoy playing snooker. We practise and train a lot, but sometimes you don't enjoy when you lose. You feel so sad and are unhappy.
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"But now I have changed. If I win or lose, it doesn't matter. Just enjoy [it] and be happy to enjoy your job.
"Sometimes in snooker you can play well and win, but sometimes you need a little bit of luck. It was like that for me."
Selby, who defeated Shaun Murphy 4-2 earlier in the day, looked on course for the last four with runs of 120, 64 and 63 to lead 3-0 and 4-1, but Xiao followed up a sparking knock of 118 in the fourth frame with further breaks of 89, 80, 59 and 58, continuing his impressive start to the season.
He claimed the Wuhan Open title with a 10-7 final win over compatriot Si Jiahui last month and was only denied a shot at the International Championship title last week after being edged out 9-8 by Chris Wakelin in an epic semi-final battle in Nanjing.
Xiao is 4-3 ahead of Allen in their career head-to-head, having prevailed in both their most recent meetings this season, 6-2 in the last 32 of the International Championship last week, after a 5-1 win in the last 32 of the Saudi Arabia Masters in September.
But Allen enjoyed a 5-2 win in the last 32 of the Xi'an Grand Prix which suggests tonight's best-of-11 frame duel could be a close encounter.
"I've played Mark Allen a few times this season," he said. "I will just enjoy it. Every player is very, very good.
"If I play well I can win, but if not, I will lose. Who knows? Maybe it can be my lucky day again!
"He is another legend, but I want to play all the top players and just learn."
Mark Williams and Neil Robertson meet in the second semi-final on Saturday evening.
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