Snooker Welsh Open Report: Wu Yize Loses 4-6 to Hawkins, World Champion Suffers 5-6 Upset

On March 1st Beijing time, the two semifinals of the Snooker Welsh Open concluded. China's sole remaining player, Wu Yize, failed to complete a comeback and lost 4-6 to the perennial semifinalist Hawkins. World champion Higgins suffered a heartbreaking 5-6 defeat to Lisowski. Consequently, the tournament's final matchup is set: Hawkins versus Lisowski, two perennial runners-up competing for the title—a fascinating development!

Wu Yize versus Hawkins. Wu Yize, China's sole contender, has shown tremendous improvement this season, winning the International Championship and steadily rising in skill. He advanced to the semifinals in this tournament, facing Hawkins. In this match, Wu started poorly, making repeated errors and quickly found himself struggling, falling behind 1-4. However, Wu suddenly ignited, displaying impeccable accuracy, blasting a century break and two 70+ breaks to win three consecutive frames and level the score at 4-4. Crucially, in the ninth frame, Wu built a 59-point lead but missed a straightforward black ball, allowing Hawkins to seize the opportunity and complete a dramatic 64-59 frame reversal. In the tenth frame, Wu's composure wavered, and he played somewhat recklessly, while Hawkins remained steady, steadily accumulating points to secure the frame and the match, winning two straight frames for a 6-4 victory!

Higgins versus Lisowski. Higgins, a world champion and four-time World Championship winner, remains fiercely competitive even in his 50s, performing at a top level. He recently reached the final of the Players Championship and promptly entered this tournament, diligently advancing to the semifinals. His opponent was the talented '90s player Lisowski, whose mental game has historically been a weakness but who achieved a significant breakthrough this season by defeating Trump to end his ranking title drought. The match began with Higgins employing his trademark tactical start, using superb safety play to establish a strong 3-1 lead. Lisowski then launched a fierce offensive, firing a century break and two 70+ breaks to win three consecutive frames and take a 4-3 lead. Higgins responded with a solid 82 break to level at 4-4. Lisowski then made a 58 break to reach 5-4 and secure match point. Higgins fought back fiercely, winning a scrappy tenth frame to force a decider at 5-5. In the final frame, Lisowski dominated, sealing a 78 break to shut out Higgins and clinch a dramatic 6-5 victory, advancing to the final once again!

Text / Sports Story