Zhang to face Zhao in World Grand Prix final

Zhao Xintong and Zhang Anda will contest the final of the World Grand Prix on Sunday after winning through the first all-Chinese semi-final line-up in snooker ranking event history.

In the first semi-final, Zhang secured a thrilling 6-5 victory over Zhou Yuelong on the final black at the Kai Tak Arena in Hong Kong.

Zhao then claimed four of the final five frames to beat Xiao Guodong 6-3 and reach a first ranking final since becoming China’s first world champion last May.

The pair will now return on Sunday to contest just the third all-Chinese ranking event final.

World number 23 Zhang had to battle hard to make it through to his fourth ranking final.

Zhou, who beat England’s Ali Carter in a decider to reach the last four, was well placed to win the final frame but ran out of position on the blue when he looked set to clear up for victory.

The 28-year-old Zhou then potted the cue ball in off the blue during a safety exchange and Zhang, 34, cleared up to seal the win.

“I was nervous in the last frame and I’m still nervous here,” said Zhang.

“My hands are shaking. It is very exciting. I just hope tomorrow is a great final.”

Zhang, whose only ranking title came at the International Championship in 2023, will go into Sunday’s final as an underdog against world number eight Zhao.

The 28-year-old Zhao has been searching for the irresistible form that carried him to victory over three-time world champion Mark Williams in the Crucible final last May to win the sport’s biggest prize.

The highlight moment of his season so far came at the Riyadh Season Championship in November when he beat Neil Robertson to take the title.