6-4! 6-2! Snooker UK Championship Report: Wu Yize Advances, Xiao Guodong Upset, Pang Junxu Breaks Through

On December 1st, Beijing time, the first round of the Snooker UK Championship continued. In the recently concluded two matches, Wu Yize experienced a dramatic battle, leading 5-0 and securing a 6-4 victory over Holt. In the Chinese derby, Xiao Guodong performed poorly; although he made two centuries and a 50+ break, he was upset 2-6 by Pang Junxu. Thus, Wu Yize and Pang Junxu moved on to the last 16, and Xiao Guodong was unexpectedly knocked out!

Wu Yize faced Holt. This season marked a major breakthrough for Wu Yize’s career, having won the Northern Ireland Open and breaking into the top 16 as a seeded player. In the first round against Holt, Wu started strong with unstoppable accuracy, producing four 50+ breaks and taking a commanding 5-0 lead, seemingly on course for a whitewash. However, Wu suddenly lost momentum, his form dipped sharply, and Holt seized the opportunity to fight back fiercely with three 50+ breaks, narrowing the gap to 4-5 and creating a tense finish. In the tenth frame, Wu steadied himself to close out the match 6-4. This match was truly a nerve-wracking experience, highlighting the dramatic swings in Wu’s performance and reminding him of the need for constant focus in snooker, where momentum can shift quickly!

Xiao Guodong battled Pang Junxu in a Chinese derby. Recently, Xiao had been performing steadily and had just won the Wuhan Open. This match guaranteed that whoever won would secure a spot in the last 16. The game started slowly, with Pang adapting well to a tactical, patient style and winning three frames in a row to lead 3-0. Xiao then erupted with precision, producing consecutive century breaks to close to 2-3. However, the pace slowed again, and Xiao’s errors increased, disrupting his scoring rhythm. Pang played solidly and confidently, winning three more frames in a row to claim a 6-2 upset victory over Xiao. Despite Xiao’s two centuries and a 50+ break, he became the first seeded player eliminated, a shocking and disappointing outcome!

With Si Jiahui, Wu Yize, and Pang Junxu advancing to the last 16, our tournament has already secured at least five players moving on to the main stages. Overall, the results are very impressive and steady progress is being made. Keep pushing forward!

Written by / Sports Novel