Sheffield's Crucible Theatre is the stage for a snooker showdown as China's Xiao Guodong and Scotland's John Higgins head into the final session locked at 8-8 in their second-round clash at the WST World Snooker Championship.
After an even afternoon (4-4) when play resumed on Friday, the pair traded frames early before world number three Higgins edged ahead 7-6. The 14th frame delivered a blockbuster moment: Xiao seemed on course to level, but Higgins, needing two snookers on the blue, refused to bow out. He crafted both snookers, forcing a re-spot. In a twist of fate, Higgins' shot on the black landed the cue ball in the yellow pocket, gifting Xiao the frame and the momentum to lead 8-7.
But experience spoke in the very next frame as Higgins delivered a clinical 129-century break to draw level. That was the 63rd century of this year's tournament—already matching last season's total—underscoring the blistering standard on display in Sheffield.
Meanwhile, in another second-round clash between two players from the Chinese mainland, Zhao Xintong holds a 5-3 lead over Lei Peifan. Lei raced to a 3-2 lead thanks to a 120 break, but Zhao hit back with breaks of 53, 97, and 61 to seize control. The pair will resume their duel on Saturday.
With the tie hanging in the balance, snooker fans can expect a high-stakes finale as Xiao and Higgins battle for a place in the quarter-finals.
Reference(s):
Xiao and Higgins tied at 8-8 after Session 2 at WST World Championship
cgtn.com
