JUST IN: Xiao Guodong has made history by becoming the first Chinese player to advance to the Champion of Champions final.

Xiao Guodong has made history by becoming the first Chinese player to reach the final of the prestigious Champion of Champions tournament. This remarkable achievement is a significant milestone in his career and in the broader development of Chinese snooker. The Champion of Champions, a high-profile invitational event featuring top players from the season’s major tournaments, is one of the sport’s most esteemed titles. Xiao’s progression to the final marks a breakthrough for Chinese snooker, showcasing the increasing dominance of players from China on the world stage.

Xiao, who has been a consistent performer on the World Snooker Tour for several years, had previously reached the semi-finals of this event in 2017. However, his journey to the final in 2024 has been particularly impressive, as he defeated some of snooker’s elite players, demonstrating both skill and composure under pressure. His performances throughout the tournament have highlighted his technical ability, mental toughness, and consistency, qualities that are becoming increasingly associated with Chinese players in the sport.

For Chinese snooker, Xiao’s historic run to the final continues the country’s rise in snooker, following in the footsteps of stars like Ding Junhui and Yan Bingtao. With more young players coming through the ranks in China, Xiao’s success is seen as a further endorsement of the growing influence of Chinese talent on the global snooker scene.

Xiao will now face off against a highly competitive field in the final, where he will aim to cement his legacy as one of the game’s greats. His achievement in reaching the final is already a landmark moment for Chinese snooker, and regardless of the outcome, it signals the bright future of the sport in China.