Wu beats Zhao to reach International Championship final

Wu beats Zhao to reach International Championship final

Getty Images

Wu Yize continued his fine form as he beat world champion Zhao Xintong 9-6 to reach the International Championship final in Nanjing.

The 22-year-old, who came into the all-Chinese semi-final on a 12-frame winning streak, lost the first frame but soon settled, opening up a 4-2 lead with a sparkling 140.

The pair went into the break level at 4-4 but Wu took control afterwards as he ruthlessly won the next four frames while notching his 10th century of the tournament.

Zhao rallied to take the match to 6-8 but it was in vain as Wu forced a number of mistakes from his 28-year-old opponent in the 15th frame to claim victory.

“I’m quite excited. I didn’t think I could actually beat him. In fact, as soon as the second session began, I felt a lot of pressure,” said Wu.

“He missed a brown ball I didn’t expect in the ninth frame. I was ready to go to the bathroom and prepare for the next frame. It came as a surprise. It was a turning point.”

Wu will face the winner between John Higgins or Stephen Maguire, who play in the all-Scottish second semi-final on Saturday.

The final takes place on Sunday, with Wu looking to win his first ranking title.

He was a losing finalist twice last season after being beaten by Neil Robertson in the English Open and Lei Peifan at the Scottish Open.

Related topics

  • Snooker

Source: BBC

234Radio

234Radio is Africa's Premium Internet Radio that seeks to export Africa to the rest of the world.