BRENTWOOD — China's Zhou Yuelong produced a stunning performance to defeat two-time champion Mark Selby 6-3 on Saturday, booking his place in the final of the 2023 MrQ English Open. The 25-year-old from Chongqing will now face Northern Ireland's Mark Allen, who overcame China's Zhang Anda in a tense 6-3 victory in the other semi-final, for the prestigious Steve Davis Trophy and a £80,000 top prize.
In a match that pitted one of snooker's most decorated modern champions against a player seeking his maiden ranking title, Zhou displayed a level of composure and scoring prowess that belied his underdog status. From the outset, he controlled the tempo, refusing to be drawn into the tactical, safety-heavy battles that are Selby's trademark. The victory marks a significant milestone for Zhou, who has now reached his third career ranking final.
The match began with both players trading frames, but it was Zhou who found an extra gear after the mid-session interval. A break of 70 in the fifth frame gave him a crucial 3-2 lead, which he never relinquished. He followed it up with a superb century, a 103, to extend his advantage. Selby, a four-time World Champion known for his incredible fighting spirit, dug deep to pull one back, but Zhou closed out the match with further runs of 73 and 51, sealing the biggest win of his career to date.
A Statement Victory for Zhou
For Zhou Yuelong, this victory represents far more than just a place in a final. It is a statement of intent and a potential turning point. Often cited as one of the most talented players yet to win a ranking event, Zhou has sometimes struggled with the mental pressure at the business end of tournaments. Against a proven winner like Selby, in a major semi-final, he showed no such nerves. His long potting was precise, his safety game was shrewd, and when the opportunities arose, his break-building was clinical.
Speaking to reporters after the match, an elated Zhou could not hide his delight and relief. "I feel very excited and very happy to beat Mark Selby because he is a great champion, a legend," he said. "I tried to just play my game and not think about who I was playing. I stayed focused on the table and made some good breaks. To be in another final is a dream, and I will try my best tomorrow."
The key to his success was his ability to limit Selby's openings. By maintaining high-scoring momentum, he kept the 'Jester from Leicester' pinned in his chair for long periods, preventing him from establishing any rhythm. This tactical approach nullified Selby's greatest strength: his ability to grind down opponents in extended, fragmented frames.
Selby's Uncharacteristic Struggles
For Mark Selby, the defeat will be a disappointing end to a week where he showed flashes of his brilliant best. The two-time English Open champion was aiming for a third title in Brentwood but ultimately could not match Zhou's consistency on the day. While he managed breaks of 89 and 75, uncharacteristic errors and a lack of clear chances proved costly against an opponent in such commanding form.
Selby was gracious in defeat, acknowledging the quality of his opponent's performance. "All credit to Zhou, he played fantastic and scored heavily every time he got a chance," Selby stated. "I felt a little bit flat out there if I'm being honest, but you have those days. He was the better player and deserved the win. I wish him all the best in the final."
The loss highlights the incredible depth on the World Snooker Tour, where even the greatest players can be beaten on any given day by a hungry and talented challenger. Selby's defeat, coupled with the earlier exit of world number one Ronnie O'Sullivan, ensures a new name will be etched onto the English Open trophy.
The Final: Zhou Yuelong vs. Mark Allen
The stage is now set for a captivating final between Zhou Yuelong and Mark Allen. The Northern Irishman, known as the 'Pistol', secured his final berth with a hard-fought 6-3 win over a determined Zhang Anda. Allen, the 2022 champion, will be the favorite based on experience, boasting a tally of nine ranking titles, including this year's prestigious Champion of Champions and the Northern Ireland Open.
Allen acknowledged the challenge that Zhou will present in the final. "Zhou played brilliant today," Allen remarked after his semi-final. "He's a great talent and he's been knocking on the door for a long time. It will be a very tough game. I'll need to play better than I did today, that's for sure, but I'm looking forward to it."
The final promises to be a fascinating contrast in styles:
- Zhou Yuelong: A fluid, attacking potter with a smooth break-building technique.
- Mark Allen: A powerful, all-around competitor known for his fierce determination and ability to win frames in a single visit.
A Landmark Moment for Chinese Snooker
Zhou's run to the final is another testament to the strength of Chinese snooker. With players like Ding Junhui paving the way, a new generation featuring the likes of Zhou, Zhang Anda, and Si Jiahui is consistently challenging for the sport's top honors. A victory for Zhou on Sunday would make him only the fifth Chinese player to win a ranking event, further solidifying China's status as a snooker superpower.
The final, to be played over a best-of-17 frames format, will be a monumental test of nerve and skill for Zhou Yuelong. He has proven he has the game to compete with the very best. Now, he has one more hurdle to clear to transform his immense potential into a tangible, life-changing triumph.
The snooker world will be watching closely to see if the talented Chinese cueist can hold his nerve against one of the sport's most proven winners or if Mark Allen's experience and firepower will prove too much on the day. Regardless of the outcome, Zhou Yuelong's victory over Mark Selby at the English Open will be remembered as a signature performance in a career destined for greatness.
