The quarterfinalists of the Snooker Hong Kong Masters have been decided! China claims 6 spots, with Zhao Xintong pulling off a 5-4 epic comeback against Selby.

On February 6th Beijing time, all the round of 16 matches in the Snooker Masters concluded. In a highly anticipated clash, Chinese star Zhao Xintong staged an incredible comeback, overturning a 1-4 deficit to win four consecutive frames and eliminate four-time World Champion Selby 5-4, securing a place in the last 16. With this, the tournament’s quarterfinal lineup is set, and Chinese players have impressively claimed 6 of the 8 spots!

Selby, a Grand Slam champion currently ranked sixth worldwide, has maintained stable form this season, staying at the peak with victories at the UK Championship and the Champion of Champions, and cruising through the first round with a 5-0 win over Aaron Hill. Zhao Xintong, the reigning World Champion and currently ranked eighth, won the Riyadh Masters this season but has had average results in ranking events. He caused a major upset by defeating Higgins 5-3 in the first round. Now, Zhao faces Selby in a crucial battle for a quarterfinal spot, another significant test for him!

The match began with Selby quickly adopting an aggressive approach, playing flawlessly. He won the first two frames with single breaks, leaving Zhao no chance at the table. In the third frame, Zhao once scored 64 points but was dramatically overturned by Selby’s single break of 73, completing a perfect 3-0 start. Both players then made 50+ breaks, with Selby reaching a 4-1 lead and a frame point. Zhao was pushed into a desperate situation but launched a fierce comeback, unstoppable like a storm. Seizing every opportunity with winning breaks, he blasted two centuries and an 80+ break, taking four straight frames to complete a 5-4 super comeback, allowing Selby just 11 points in the last four frames!

This match was truly astonishing. Zhao went completely wild in the latter half, his form surging to a level even Selby struggled to contain. This victory was incredibly thrilling—a rollercoaster of a comeback showcasing Zhao’s big heart. After defeating both Higgins and Selby, Zhao has cleared the way for the Chinese team’s championship hopes, making it very likely the title will stay in China!

With the quarterfinals set for this tournament, China has secured 6 of the competing spots, a remarkable feat. The Chinese players are Xiao Guodong, Si Jiahui, Zhang Anda, Zhou Yuelong, Zhao Xintong, and Wu Yize. The other two quarterfinalists are Carter and Wakelin. We look forward to the Chinese team sweeping the semifinals and clinching the title early. Keep it up!

Written by/Titan Sports Fiction