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Xiao Guodong, Long Zehuang Reach Semi-Finals of Wuhan Open

Posted : 10 October 2024

China's Xiao Guodong delivered an impressive performance, defeating 2005 World Champion Shaun Murphy 5-1 to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Wuhan Open. This victory marks a significant achievement for the 35-year-old, as he reaches the semi-finals of a ranking event on home soil.

 

 Although Xiao was the runner-up to Ding Junhui at the 2013 Shanghai Masters, he has not competed in a full-format final since that year, making this opportunity particularly important as he prepares to face fellow Chinese player Long Zehuang.

 

Today’s match served as a form of revenge for Xiao, who had previously lost to Murphy in the quarter-finals of the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, where Murphy emerged victorious with a score of 6-2.

 

In a commanding start to the match, Xiao showcased his skill by scoring three consecutive centuries, with breaks of 139, 113, and 125, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead. Following a run of 75 in the next frame, he headed into the mid-session with a commanding 4-0 advantage.

 

Upon resuming play, Murphy demonstrated his experience by responding with a break of 112, momentarily narrowing the gap. However, Xiao maintained his composure and closed out the match in the sixth frame, securing a decisive 5-1 victory.

 

Reflecting on his performance, Xiao noted that he found his rhythm quicker than Murphy and capitalized on the opportunities presented. He emphasized the importance of his early lead, which laid the groundwork for the rest of the match.

 

In the other semi-final, Long Zehuang advanced with a 5-1 victory over six-time ranking event finalist Jack Lisowski. This marks Long's first appearance in the semi-finals, a significant milestone made even more special as he competes in front of his home crowd in Wuhan.

 

 The 27-year-old expressed his surprise at the scoreline and acknowledged that a bit of luck played a role in his success. Feeling relaxed in familiar surroundings, Long intends to learn from Xiao's experience as they prepare to face off in the semi-finals, approaching the match with a mindset focused on improvement and performing well with each shot.

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