In a heart-stopping climax that left fans on the edge of their seats, Zhao Xintong emerged victorious in a black-ball decider against Kyren Wilson, securing his spot in the Champion of Champions semi-finals. But here’s where it gets controversial—was it sheer skill or a stroke of luck that sealed Zhao’s fate in this nail-biting match? Let’s dive in.
China’s Zhao Xintong delivered a thrilling 6-5 victory over England’s Kyren Wilson in a match that swung dramatically from one player to the other. After taking an early 3-1 lead, Zhao found himself on the back foot as Wilson stormed back, winning four consecutive frames with impressive breaks of 104 and 120. It seemed like the momentum had shifted decisively in Wilson’s favor. And this is the part most people miss—Zhao, the reigning world champion, regrouped with resilience, leveling the match at 5-5 by securing his first century break of the game. A true testament to his mental fortitude under pressure.
The deciding frame at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena was a masterclass in tension. Zhao’s break of 58 gave him the initial advantage, but Wilson responded with a 54, setting the stage for a dramatic black-ball finish. In a moment that will be replayed for years, Wilson’s attempt rattled both corner pockets, leaving Zhao with a straightforward pot to claim victory. Afterward, Zhao candidly admitted to ITV, ‘When I was 3-1 up, I missed a few shots, and he took control. I didn’t want him to win so easily. I got a bit lucky in the last two frames, but I’ll take it.’
Now, Zhao advances to face world number one Judd Trump in the semi-finals of this 16-player invitational tournament—a non-ranking event that still carries immense prestige. The 28-year-old had earlier showcased his dominance with a 4-0 whitewash of Mark Allen, where Northern Ireland’s Allen managed just a single point across four frames. Zhao’s breaks of 60, 78, and 76 highlighted his clinical precision.
Meanwhile, Wilson’s journey to this stage was equally dramatic. He edged past Jack Lisowski 4-3 in a match that saw Lisowski fight back from 3-0 down to level the score, only for Wilson to seal the deal with a stunning 122 break.
But here’s the question that’s sparking debate: Did Zhao’s victory hinge on Wilson’s missed black, or was it a testament to Zhao’s ability to capitalize under pressure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—was this a triumph of skill, luck, or a bit of both?