TIANJIN — The 2024 World Snooker International Championship semi-finals are set, and they promise a thrilling conclusion after a dramatic day of quarter-final action in Tianjin. The last eight was whittled down to a final four that guarantees a Chinese finalist in the bottom half of the draw and an all-Scottish clash in the top half.
The day was headlined by a stunning victory for China's Zhao Xintong, who dethroned the in-form Mark Selby in a gripping 6-4 encounter. Meanwhile, his compatriot Wu Yize continued his dream run with a dazzling display to reach his first-ever ranking semi-final. From the other side of the draw, seasoned veterans John Higgins and Stephen Maguire navigated their respective challenges to set up a mouth-watering Battle of Britain.
Zhao Xintong Tames the Jester from Leicester
In what was arguably the match of the tournament so far, Zhao Xintong produced a performance of immense courage and skill to overcome four-time world champion Mark Selby. Selby, who arrived in Tianjin fresh from his victory at the English Open, started as the favourite, but Zhao, the 2021 UK Champion, played with a fearless attacking verve that ultimately overwhelmed the Englishman's famed tactical prowess.
The match was a classic contrast in styles. Selby looked to grind and contain, while Zhao sought every opportunity to open the balls and score heavily. The key moment came with the score poised at 4-4. Zhao, under immense pressure, compiled a magnificent century break of 107 to move one frame from victory. He then sealed the deal in the next frame, a victory that sent the home crowd into raptures.
Speaking after the match, an elated Zhao said, "I knew I had to play my best snooker to beat Mark. He is such a tough competitor. To make a century in that situation and win gives me so much confidence. The support from the crowd was incredible; it felt like they were with me for every single shot."
Wu Yize's Breakthrough Run Continues Unabated
While Zhao's win was a statement of intent, Wu Yize's progression was a story of pure, unadulterated talent finally delivering on its promise. The 20-year-old, long touted as a future star, produced a scintillating performance to defeat Iran's Hossein Vafaei 6-2. His performance was a masterclass in break-building and tactical maturity.
Wu's victory was built on a foundation of relentless scoring. Throughout the match, he demonstrated why many consider him one of the most naturally gifted players on the tour. His cue ball control was exquisite, and his long potting was devastatingly accurate. He wrapped up the match with a flourish, leaving Vafaei, a proven winner himself, with little answer to his onslaught.
A visibly emotional Wu reflected on his biggest career achievement: "This is a dream for me. To reach my first semi-final, and to do it here in China in front of my home fans, is an unbelievable feeling. I just tried to focus on my own game and play positively, and it worked perfectly today."
The Chinese Semi-Final: A Glimpse into the Future
The semi-final clash between Zhao Xintong and Wu Yize is a tantalizing prospect for snooker fans globally, but particularly in China. It represents a passing of the torch to the new generation and showcases the incredible depth of talent emerging from the country. Key aspects to watch in this match include:
- Experience vs. Youthful Exuberance: Zhao has been in this position before, winning major titles.
- Attack vs. Attack: Both players are prolific break-builders who prefer an open, attacking game.
- The Home Crowd: The atmosphere will be electric, with both players enjoying massive support.
This match is more than just a semi-final; it's a potential defining moment for Chinese snooker, signalling that the era of Ding Junhui as the sole standard-bearer is well and truly over.
Higgins and Maguire: Scots Storm Into Last Four
In the top half of the draw, experience reigned supreme as two of Scotland's finest, John Higgins and Stephen Maguire, safely navigated their quarter-finals. Higgins, the four-time world champion, was pushed hard by England's Barry Hawkins but ultimately prevailed 6-4 in a high-quality affair filled with tense safety exchanges and clinical clearances.
Maguire, the 2023 Tour Championship winner, had a slightly more straightforward path, dispatching England's Tom Ford with a 6-2 scoreline. Maguire looked sharp and focused, capitalizing on Ford's errors and compiling several significant breaks to control the match from the outset.
Higgins, aware of the challenge ahead, acknowledged his fellow Scot's form: "Stephen is playing fantastic snooker. He's a great, great player. We've had so many battles over the years, and it's always a tough game. It will be another one, but I'm just delighted to be in another semi-final."
The All-Scottish Clash: A Rivalry Renewed
The Higgins vs. Maguire semi-final is a fixture steeped in snooker history. The two Glaswegians have been competing against each other for over two decades, and their matches are always fiercely contested and played with mutual respect. Their contrasting styles promise a fascinating tactical battle:
- Higgins's Granite: Known for his all-round genius, tactical astuteness, and incredible match temperament.
- Maguire's Fire: A powerful, aggressive potter with a fluid break-building style when in full flow.
- Head-to-Head: Higgins holds a slight edge in their previous meetings, but Maguire has won their most recent big encounters.
This match represents a huge opportunity for both players. For Higgins, it's a chance to add another major title to his legendary CV. For Maguire, it's an opportunity to continue his late-career resurgence and claim one of snooker's most prestigious overseas crowns.
What the Semi-Finals Promise
The stage is now set for a spectacular conclusion to the International Championship. The semi-final line-up perfectly blends established greatness with exciting new talent. The all-Scottish tie guarantees a veteran finalist, while the all-Chinese clash ensures a new, young star will play for the title.
The snooker on display in Tianjin has been of the highest quality, and with a place in the final and a coveted ranking title on the line, the intensity is sure to reach another level. The world of snooker watches with bated breath to see if Zhao Xintong can reclaim his place among the elite, if Wu Yize can complete a fairytale week, or if one of the wily Scottish veterans can roll back the years.
As John Higgins aptly put it, looking ahead to the final weekend, "It's what we play for. These big moments in these big tournaments. It's going to be a brilliant finish." The snooker world is in for a treat.
