Xiao Guodong continued his remarkable run at the 2024 Grosvenor Casinos Champion of Champions, defeating defending champion Mark Allen 6-3 in the semi-finals to become the first Chinese player to reach the final of this prestigious event.
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Despite a strong start from Allen, who compiled a 65 in the opening frame, a misjudged shot left a red on the edge of the pocket, gifting Xiao the chance to steal the FIRST frame and establish an early lead.
The Pistol responded swiftly in the second frame, levelling the score after a strategic safety battle. However, Xiao regained control in the third, capitalising on another costly error by Allen to craft an impressive 111-century break and reclaim the lead. Xiao pressed forward with a commanding 71 in the fourth, forcing Allen to concede and edging closer to the finish line.
The defending champion rallied, claiming back-to-back frames to draw level at 3-3. Allen capitalised on a twitch from Xiao on the black in the fifth and held his nerve in the sixth, forcing Xiao into a tight safety exchange and securing the frame to even the match.
Xiao regained his composure in the seventh, taking advantage of Allen’s unforced errors to retake the lead. Allen attempted to level the score again in the eighth but a crucial miss on the blue allowed Xiao to disrupt the Northern Irishman’s plan and become one frame away from victory.
The final frame saw a tense battle, with Allen initially poised to continue his title defence after Xiao failed to pot a crucial red. But Allen faltered on a green, leaving it over the pocket and opening the door for Xiao to clear the table and secure his historic place in the final.
Xiao’s triumph not only cements his position as the first Chinese player to reach the Champion of Champions final but also brings him one step closer to claiming his first major title on UK soil.
For those wanting to catch the semi-final action live, find the full list of global broadcasters here.
There are still a limited number of tickets available for tomorrow’s semi-finals, starting from £44 a session. Secure your ticket here.
