JUST IN: Xiao Guodong made history as the first Chinese player to advance to the final of the Champion of Champions, achieving a 6-3 victory over Mark Allen on Friday in Bolton.

Xiao Guodong made history on Friday by becoming the first Chinese player to reach the final of the prestigious Champion of Champions event in Bolton. The 33-year-old stunned the snooker world with a remarkable 6-3 victory over world number five Mark Allen in their semi-final showdown, securing his spot in the final of one of snooker’s most esteemed invitational tournaments.

Xiao, who had previously reached the semi-finals of the 2019 World Championship, showed composure and skill throughout the match, displaying the consistency and precision that has become his trademark. The win was a significant milestone in his career, as it not only marked his first appearance in a Champion of Champions final but also made him the first player from China to achieve such a feat in the event’s history.

After a close opening frame, Xiao seized control with a series of impressive breaks, including a crucial 70 in the fourth frame, which gave him a 3-1 lead. Although Allen, a former World Open champion, fought back with a determined 63 in the sixth frame, Xiao’s superior tactical play and solid break-building saw him cruise to victory in the final frames, securing a 6-3 scoreline.

The result is a testament to Xiao’s growing stature in the sport and his determination to make his mark on snooker’s biggest stages. His achievement is also a sign of the increasing strength of Chinese snooker, which has seen players like Ding Junhui, Yan Bingtao, and now Xiao, consistently challenge for major titles.

As Xiao Guodong prepares for his first final in Bolton, his historic run has captured the attention of snooker fans around the world, with many now eagerly anticipating how far he can go in this prestigious tournament.