China's snooker star Xiao Guodong etched his name in history at the 2025 Chengdu World Games, claiming the first men's snooker gold for his country. The 36-year-old world No. 13 overcame Cyprus's Michael Georgiou 2-1 in a nail-biting final that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Xiao set the tone by taking the opening frame 53-39 with an aggressive potting display, only for Georgiou to fire back with a century break in the second, leveling the match. In the decider, Xiao built a 57-32 lead before a late foul handed Georgiou a lifeline at the black ball. But with nerves of steel, Xiao rolled in a decisive pink to seal the victory and cement his place atop the podium.
Skipping the Saudi Arabia Masters to focus on Chengdu, Xiao and his team went through an intensive month of training. He admitted the pressure was intense but credited this preparation with helping Team China deliver a perfect wrap-up in Chengdu.
Beyond the medals, Xiao's triumph highlights the growing appeal of snooker in China and across the G20 nations, where young fans are fueling a boom in the sport. As players and spectators look ahead to the next global stage, this historic win could inspire a new generation of cue sports talent worldwide.
Reference(s):
Xiao Guodong wins first snooker title for China at Chengdu World Games
cgtn.com
