Kyren Wilson claimed the first semi-final place in this year’s 188BET Champion of Champions at the Ricoh Arena after defeating young Chinese sensation Zhou Yuelong 6-3 in this evening’s Group 3 final, writes Ziad Chaudry.
Earlier in the day 17-year-old Yuelong produced the tournament’s first upset after coming from 3-1 down to claim the final frame decider against current World champion Stuart Bingham, while Wilson dispatched tournament favourite Judd Trump 4-2
The 23-year-old from Kettering, who qualified for The Ricoh snooker showpiece by winning Shanghai Masters, was in control after breaks of 84, 78 and 57 helped him build a 4-2 lead.
This year’s World Cup winner Yuelong, who opened this evening’s final with an excellent 85 break, clinched the seventh frame with a 68 but his gallant challenge ended when Wilson claimed the next two to secure his semi-final place.
“It got a little bit scrappy towards the end but that is understandable,” said Wilson. “I was pleased to get over the line. Zhou is a great talent and he looks like a very good player.
“I am here to win the tournament, like every player. Everybody in the tournament is already a winner so I have as much right as every other player to win.
“Coventry is 40 minutes down the road from me so this is perfect. It is a fantastic venue and I had great support; it was fantastic to have my family and friends here.
“It doesn’t matter who you play because everybody is a class player, everybody is a champion; the title speaks for itself.”
Tomorrow’s action at The Ricoh sees Scotland’s four-time World Champion ‘The Wizard of Wishaw’ John Higgins taking on ‘The Captain’ Ali Carter, while Joe Perry play Michael White in the other Group 1 encounter.
Tickets are available on the day, otherwise catch all the action on ITV4 from 12.45pm