Snooker Champion of Champions Report: Chinese Star Eliminated, Xiao Guodong Falls 3-4 to World Champion, Only Zhao Xintong Remains

On November 14th Beijing time, the Champion of Champions group stage continued with a highly anticipated match just concluded. Chinese star Xiao Guodong faced the experienced world champion Higgins for a spot in the quarterfinals. Although Xiao initially reached match point, he lost momentum and dropped two consecutive frames, ultimately losing 3-4 to Higgins in a heartbreaking finish. This means that of the four Chinese players in the tournament, only Zhao Xintong has advanced to the semifinals!

Higgins, one of the "Class of '75," may be advanced in age but his skill remains sharp—truly a seasoned veteran no one can easily overcome. Last season, Higgins won two titles: the Yushan Open and the Tour Championship, securing his qualification for the Champion of Champions. Currently ranked fifth in the world, Xiao Guodong has also performed excellently this season, defending his Wuhan Open title successfully and earning his spot here. Ranked tenth globally, Xiao reached the final last year but lost to Mark Williams, finishing runner-up. This year, he aims to go further!

In the opening frame, Higgins scored over 50 in a single visit and took the lead 1-0. In the second frame, Xiao Guodong produced an 89-point clearance to level at 1-1. Higgins responded with a century break in the third to move ahead 2-1. In the fourth frame, despite Higgins scoring over 60, Xiao staged a remarkable comeback with a series of small breaks to clinch a dramatic win, tying the match 2-2. Riding the momentum, Xiao delivered a flawless century in the fifth frame to take a 3-2 lead. The sixth frame saw Higgins seize his chance after some struggle to even the score 3-3, pushing the match to a decider. In the final frame, Higgins sealed the match with a 68-point break, defeating Xiao 4-3, eliminating him in a narrow loss.

With this result, three Chinese players—Bai Yulu, Lei Peifan, and Xiao Guodong—have been knocked out. The semifinal lineup includes Trump, Zhao Xintong, and Selby occupying three spots. Next, Higgins will face Robertson in a top-level battle for the final semifinal place. Robertson advanced by defeating Tom Ford 4-1 to reach the quarterfinals. The match is scheduled to start at 3 a.m. Beijing time. Let's stay tuned!

Written by/Titan Sports Fiction