WUHAN — The opening day of the 2024 Wuhan Open was electrified by a stunning display of snooker prowess as China’s own Xiao Guodong compiled a flawless 147 maximum break, only for his compatriot Zhao Xintong to agonizingly miss the final black on a potential maximum of his own just hours later.
Both players ultimately secured their places in the second round, but the day will be remembered for the twin brushes with perfection that left the home crowd at the Wuhan Sports Center Gymnasium in a state of exhilaration and heartbreak.
Xiao Guodong's Flawless Maximum
The drama began in the morning session when world number 34 Xiao Guodong faced England’s veteran campaigner, Mark Davis. Displaying ice-cool composure, Xiao meticulously cleared the table in his opening frame, potting 15 reds with 15 blacks before perfectly dispatching the colors.
The break was a masterclass in precision and nerve, becoming the first official 147 of the 2024/25 World Snooker Tour season and the 200th officially recognized maximum in professional snooker history. The arena erupted as he potted the final black, acknowledging the historic moment.
Speaking after his 5-2 victory, an elated Xiao said: "To make a 147 is always a special feeling, but to do it here in Wuhan, in front of my home fans, makes it unbelievable. I felt very calm throughout the break and just focused on one ball at a time. It’s a moment I will never forget."
Zhao Xintong's Agonizing Near-Miss
If Xiao’s performance set a high bar, Zhao Xintong nearly surpassed it with a breathtaking display of attacking snooker in his match against Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham. The ‘Cyclone’, known for his fluid, rapid-fire style, was in devastating form, racing to a 4-0 lead.
In the fifth frame, Zhao embarked on what looked destined to be another historic maximum. He effortlessly potted red and black after red and black, mirroring Xiao’s feat from earlier in the day. The crowd watched in hushed anticipation as he cleared the table up to the final black.
With the maximum at his mercy, Zhao approached the black ball, which was positioned near the center pocket. In a cruel twist of fate, his shot rattled in the jaws of the pocket and stayed out, denying him a share of the day’s glory. A collective gasp echoed through the arena, followed by a sympathetic round of applause.
A visibly disappointed Zhao commented post-match: "I am happy to win, of course, but I am so disappointed to miss the black. I felt good, the cueing was smooth, but sometimes the pressure is big. I just wanted to make it for the fans." He went on to secure a 5-1 victory.
The Fine Margins of Snooker Perfection
The back-to-back maximum attempts highlighted the incredible skill and immense pressure inherent at the sport’s highest level. Achieving a 147 requires not just technical mastery but also profound mental fortitude. Key factors that make a maximum break so rare include:
- Positional Play: Perfectly navigating the cue ball after every single pot.
- Pressure: The weight of expectation intensifies with every successfully potted ball.
- Table Conditions: The roll of the cloth and the responsiveness of the cushions.
- Distraction: The growing awareness of the crowd and the occasion.
Zhao’s miss serves as a stark reminder that the break is never complete until the final black drops. His attempt will officially go down as a break of 140, a superb score in its own right but one that will undoubtedly linger in his mind.
Historical Context and Significance
Xiao Guodong’s maximum is the third of his professional career, placing him in an elite group of players to have achieved multiple 147s. It also continues a strong tradition of Chinese players producing magic on the baize, following in the footsteps of legends like Ding Junhui.
The near-simultaneous maximum attempts in a single tournament day are an extremely rare occurrence, underscoring the depth of talent and aggressive style of play that now defines the modern game. It provided a perfect narrative for the inaugural Wuhan Open, instantly elevating the tournament’s profile.
Looking Ahead to the Second Round
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, both Chinese stars successfully navigated their first-round tests. Xiao Guodong will carry the confidence of his maximum into his next match against a formidable opponent, while Zhao Xintong will be eager to prove that his missed opportunity will not derail his campaign.
The Wuhan Open continues with a packed schedule, but the opening day has already provided a signature moment that will be replayed and discussed for years to come. The crowd witnessed both the ecstasy of perfection and the agony of what might have been, all within a matter of hours.
A Day of What Could Have Been
In the end, the day belonged to Xiao Guodong, whose name will be forever etched in the record books for the 200th maximum. Yet, the story is equally about Zhao Xintong’s brave attempt and the fine margins that separate immortality from a heartbreaking footnote.
The reactions from both players encapsulated the dual nature of professional sport. Xiao beamed: "This is a dream for any player," while Zhao reflected with a mix of optimism and regret: "I will try again next time. I know I can make one."
For the fans in attendance, they were treated to a snooker spectacle that showcased the very best of the sport—unbelievable skill, high drama, and raw human emotion, setting a thrilling tone for the rest of the tournament.
