The Shanghai Masters snooker tournament witnessed a remarkable comeback in its semi-final clash, as world number two Kyren Wilson surged past a faltering Zhao Xintong to secure his place in the final.
After trailing 5-4 at the conclusion of the opening session, Wilson displayed formidable resilience and skill, meticulously reeling off six consecutive frames to seal a commanding 10-5 victory. This dominant second-session performance underscored his status as the 2024 Crucible champion, showcasing his ability to adapt and capitalize under pressure in the Shanghai Masters.
Conversely, Zhao Xintong, despite a strong start that included two centuries in the first session, experienced a significant decline in form during the latter half of the match. His prolific scoring game, which had been a hallmark of his earlier play, deserted him, as he squandered numerous crucial opportunities, leading to a disheartening 6-0 whitewash in the decisive frames of this snooker semi-final.
A pivotal moment arrived when Zhao missed a straightforward black off the spot at a crucial juncture, which could have extended his lead to 6-4. This miscue appeared to disrupt his concentration and rhythm, allowing Kyren Wilson to dictate the flow of play and exploit the tactical openings presented.
Throughout the second session, Wilson consistently found ways to score, benefiting from Zhao Xintong’s uncharacteristic errors and struggles with tactical play. Commentators noted Wilson’s superior safety play and his ability to pick off balls, effectively dismantling Zhao’s challenge piece by piece in the Shanghai Masters snooker event.
With this impressive semi-final win, Kyren Wilson, the 2024 world champion, now prepares to face fellow Englishman Ali Carter in Sunday’s best-of-21 frame final. The winner will claim the prestigious trophy and a substantial £210,000 first prize, with live coverage available on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Ali Carter, a two-time world finalist, secured his spot in the final through a hard-fought 10-8 victory over Mark Selby. Carter’s journey to the final has been marked by his own series of impressive comebacks, demonstrating his tenacity and composure in tightly contested matches, setting the stage for a thrilling championship decider against Kyren Wilson.
