Xiao Guodong defends Wuhan Open crown with dramatic 10-9 win over Gary Wilson
By Rhys Jones
Updated 30/08/2025 at 21:59 GMT+1
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Xiao Guodong beat Englishman Gary Wilson 10-9 in a dramatic final at the Wuhan Open to defend his title and claim the £140,000 jackpot. The Chinese cueist held a 5-4 lead heading to the evening session after a cagey afternoon of play, where Wilson was clearly frustrated. The Tyneside player ramped up his own level and took the lead for the first time before a nail-biting finish.
Watch Xiao seal back-to-back Wuhan Open titles in dramatic decider
Video credit: TNT Sports
Xiao Guodong defended the Wuhan Open with a dramatic 10-9 victory over Gary Wilson in Saturday's final.
Xiao fought back from 8-6 behind at the Optics Valley Gymnasium to take home the £140,000 jackpot.
It is only his second win in a ranking event, with his first coming in the same event a year ago.
The first four frames were shared, with Xiao taking a 2-0 lead before Wilson restored parity at 2-2. Wilson hit a run of 96 to take the lead for the first time in the match.
Xiao then won three consecutive frames to turn the tide back in his favour. A 62 in the seventh frame was his only break above 50 during the afternoon.
Wilson had defeated Judd Trump, John Higgins and Mark Allen to reach the title match, but was at risk of falling behind Xiao until he responded with a break of 116 in the final frame of the afternoon session.
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‘Take the call outside’ – Referee asks fan to leave before final frame of morning session
Video credit: TNT Sports
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After a cagey afternoon of play, the evening session saw both players loosen up and improve their level.
Returning to the table in the evening, with Xiao holding a 5-4 lead, Wilson made another century as he hit 118 to level the score, immediately forcing Xiao to up his own game.
The pair traded frames before Wilson made yet another century break, his third of the final, to take a 7-6 lead.
With a chance to even the score, Xiao passed up the opportunity and Wilson was able to put a two-frame cushion on his lead for the first time in the final at 8-6.
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The momentum of the match was firmly with the Englishman, but Xiao pulled out his first century of the day in the 15th frame.
He followed that up with a break of 90 to make it 8-8 before keeping Wilson pointless for a third consecutive frame to wrestle back control.
Wilson managed to make a much-needed break of 52 and forced a deciding frame.
Wilson had a chance in the decider but missed a pot by a distance and Xiao held his nerve to defend the title.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
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