Major breakthrough! Latest updates from the Snooker Grand Prix: Two last-frame deciders in one night, with Chinese players sweeping all four semifinal spots

On February 7th Beijing time, the quarterfinals of the Snooker World Grand Prix wrapped up, showcasing an electrifying evening with two final-frame finishes. Zhao Xintong and Zhou Yuelong each edged out Wakelin and Carter 5-4, advancing to the semifinals and making history as Chinese players took every semifinal spot. This is undeniably a huge milestone, representing a significant advancement for Chinese snooker!

This edition of the Snooker Grand Prix is a high-level competition, open only to the top 32 players of the season rankings. The winner’s prize reaches an impressive £180,000, making it a prime opportunity to compete for substantial earnings. We secured 10 entries in total, and playing on home turf gives us a great advantage to showcase our skills!

After the tournament began, our 10 players recorded an outstanding 9 wins and 1 loss in the first round; in the second round, 9 players competed achieving 6 wins and 3 losses; in the third round, 6 players participated with 4 victories and 2 defeats. Each stage set new records, significantly increasing our representation in the last 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals of ranking events — truly a rare and remarkable achievement!

During the progression to the semifinals, our players fearlessly faced the “75 Trio,” the “80 Four Tigers,” and the top post-90s player. Through relentless determination and multiple upsets against these top contenders, they accomplished the feat of sweeping all four semifinal places. The newly crowned World Champion Zhao Xintong faced the toughest challenge, winning three consecutive hard-fought matches: 5-3 against Higgins, overcoming a 1-4 deficit to win 5-4 against Selby, and then clinching a 5-4 victory over old rival Wakelin after leading 4-1. This truly demonstrates the collective strength of Chinese snooker and will undoubtedly fuel its vigorous growth, with success naturally following!

Looking ahead to the semifinals, we can watch with confidence as we have astonishingly secured all four semifinal spots. With favorable timing, location, and talent, the championship will remain in China, undoubtedly a great gift for the Chinese New Year. As for the semifinals and final, any of the four could claim the title; it depends on who seizes this opportunity. Among them, only Zhou Yuelong has yet to win a ranking event, so perhaps he is even more eager to break through by lifting the trophy at home. Let’s look forward and cheer him on!

Written by/Titan Sports Fiction