Xiao Guodong scored a stunning 5-4 win over world number two and World Champion Kyren Wilson to make the last 16 of the Wuhan Open.
The Chinese cueman has already shown positive signs this season after a run to the quarter-finals of the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, which included a 5-1 demolition of Mark Allen.
Wilson enjoyed a significant first victory as Crucible king earlier in the season when he triumphed at the Xi’an Grand Prix, beating Judd Trump 10-8 in the final. However, since then he has failed to make any further quarter-finals.
It was Wilson who appeared to be in the ascendency in the early stages this afternoon, making two breaks of 63 to earn an early 2-0 lead. Xiao responded by coming from requiring snookers to take the third on the black and then adding the fourth to head into the mid-session level at 2-2.
When play resumed, Xiao took the next two frames to make it four on the bounce and move one from victory at 4-2. However, Wilson summoned century runs of 118 and 108 to force a decider.
The final frame came down to the pink, which Xiao eventually deposited to the yellow pocket to emerge victorious. He now faces Barry Hawkins, who beat Stan Moody 5-3.
“Kyren is ranked number two in the world and became World Champion this year so I kept a clear head and reminded myself to be patient for my chances. Whether I was leading or trailing, I couldn’t let my guard down,” said two-time ranking finalist Xiao.
“When I compete in China, I really want to win. Having fans and my family in the audience makes me want to show my best. Thankfully I managed to get the result today.”
Ali Carter was a 5-3 victor in a fiercely contested encounter with Hong Kong’s Marco Fu.
The pair traded the opening two frames, before the high quality encounter sprung into life. Carter made 107 in the third to take the lead, but a stunning 139 from Fu restored parity at 2-2.
After the mid-session a break of 66 saw Carter come from behind to steal the fifth and he then moved one from victory at 4-2. Fu fired in a 108 to pull within one, but Carter got over the line a 5-3 victor. That sets up a mouth watering clash with Shaun Murphy, who beat Noppon Saengkham 5-3.
Carter said: “Marco always scores really heavily. I’m delighted to get through that game. Wins have been a bit dry of late. I’ve come here with not a lot of expectation or confidence. It is nice to get a couple of wins.
“Shaun is a top player and I’ve known him forever. I need to keep reminding myself I’m a top player as well. It is good to be competing against the top boys, that is where I want to be, it is my job and I’m thoroughly looking forward to it tomorrow.”
Local player Long Zehuang scored a huge 5-0 win over Jackson Page to delight his home fans in Wuhan. He now plays Ben Woollaston, who edged out Elliot Slessor 5-3.
Long said: “I felt particularly nervous today because my family was watching. I’m from Wuhan and my wife and child were also here too. Maybe that brought me good luck today, as it is very rare for my family to watch me play.
“My child was born this year and is now eight months old. My wife has been taking care of everything at home. She is incredibly supportive of me and my entire family is behind me. Without their support, I might have already given up.”
