WUHAN — Gary Wilson produced a stunning display of break-building and tactical nous to defeat world number three Mark Allen 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Wuhan Open on Saturday.
The victory sets up a final showdown on Sunday against defending champion Xiao Guodong, who delighted the home crowd by overcoming Wu Yize 6-4 in a tense all-Chinese semi-final.
Wilson, the 2022 Scottish Open champion, was in imperious form against the Northern Irishman, compiling breaks of 134, 103, 82, and 71 to secure his place in the second ranking final of his career.
Wilson Dominates From the Outset
From the opening frame, it was clear that Wilson had brought his A-game to the Hongshan Gymnasium. He seized control with a magnificent total clearance of 134, immediately putting Allen on the back foot.
Allen, a winner of three ranking titles last season, struggled to find any rhythm or scoring power against Wilson's relentless pressure. The Tyneside potter capitalised on every opportunity, as he explained after the match:
"I felt really good out there today. I knew I had to start strong against someone of Mark's quality, and that 134 settled the nerves perfectly. I stuck to my game plan, which was to be aggressive and take my chances when they came."
The match's key moments came in a blistering spell either side of the mid-session interval. Wilson took a commanding 4-1 lead before the break and then returned to win two of the next three frames in emphatic fashion.
Allen's Frustrations Mount
For Allen, the defeat marks a disappointing end to a week where he had looked in formidable touch. His highest break of the match was a mere 66, a testament to Wilson's ability to keep him tethered and unable to play his natural, free-flowing game.
The Antrim Ferrari was gracious in defeat, acknowledging his opponent's superior performance. He stated:
"Gary was phenomenal today. I felt a bit flat, but you have to give him full credit—he didn't let me play. He scored heavily every time he got in and his safety was top-class. He was just too good."
Allen's path to the semi-final included impressive victories over John Higgins and Hossein Vafaei, but he had no answer for Wilson's potent combination of heavy scoring and tactical discipline.
Xiao Guodong's Gritty Path to the Final
In the other semi-final, defending champion Xiao Guodong demonstrated immense resilience to overcome his young compatriot Wu Yize 6-4. The match was a cagey affair, lacking the high breaks of the other semi but brimming with tension.
Xiao, who claimed his first ranking title here last year, drew on all his experience to navigate a tricky encounter. The key factors in his victory were:
- Winning three consecutive frames from 3-2 down to lead 5-3.
- A crucial break of 58 in the ninth frame to move one away from victory.
- Remaining composed to close out the match after Wu threatened a comeback.
Speaking to the local media, an emotional Xiao said:
"It means so much to be in the final again, especially here in Wuhan in front of our fans. It was a very tough match against Wu, he is a fantastic player. I had to fight for every ball and I am just so happy to have the chance to defend my title."
A Tale of Two Journeys
The final presents a fascinating contrast in narratives. For Gary Wilson, it is a chance to claim a second career ranking title and cement his status as a top-tier competitor after years of battling inconsistency.
For Xiao Guodong, the final is about legacy and national pride. A victory on home soil would make him only the second Chinese player, after Ding Junhui, to successfully defend a ranking title—a monumental achievement that would further ignite the passion for snooker in China.
Wilson leads their head-to-head record 4-2, but Xiao won their most recent meeting at the 2022 Northern Ireland Open. The Englishman is aware of the challenge that awaits:
"It's going to be an amazing atmosphere. Xiao is a great player and the defending champion, so I know it will be incredibly tough. I'll need to play at the same level as I did today. I'm just going to try and enjoy the occasion and give it my best shot."
What to Expect in the Final
The final, a best-of-17 frame affair, promises to be a captivating contest. Wilson will rely on his current form, which is defined by:
- Exceptional long potting and break-building prowess.
- A calm and methodical approach to safety exchanges.
- The confidence gained from a dominant win over a top-ranked player.
Xiao's keys to victory will be different but equally effective:
- The overwhelming support of the home crowd acting as a second wind.
- His proven ability to handle pressure and grind out results.
- The determination to secure a historic title defence in his homeland.
Conclusion: A Final Not to Be Missed
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Wuhan Open. Whether it's Gary Wilson's power or Xiao Guodong's heart that prevails, snooker fans are guaranteed a final of the highest quality and drama.
The match represents everything great about the global growth of snooker—a proven UK champion facing the hero of the Chinese game, with a prestigious trophy and vital ranking points on the line.
As the lights go down and the final gets underway, one thing is certain: both players have already had fantastic weeks, but only one will leave Wuhan as the 2024 champion.
