Xiao Guodong v Wu Yize live stream | Scottish Open 2024 Semi-Final preview
Wu is appearing in his third ranking semi-final of the season (PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)
Xiao Guodong goes head to head with compatriot Wu Yize in an all-Chinese battle in the Scottish Open semi-finals on Saturday.
Two of the world’s top 12 players are on the one-year list do battle for a place in the final of the season’s third Home Nations event at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh.
Wuhan Open champion Xiao, who was also runner-up to Mark Williams at last month’s Champion of Champions, is gearing up for his fourth semi-final of the campaign, while it is his first such appearance in the series.
The world number 18 had already beaten the likes of Crucible finalist Jak Jones and home favourite Stephen Maguire this week, before hitting breaks of 106 and 81 as he reeled off five successive frames for a 5-1 victory over former World champion Luca Brecel in the quarter-finals.
Another victory here would see him become the seventh different Chinese player to reach the final of a Home Nations event.
It will not be easy, though, against Wu, who is quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite with his performances.
The 21-year-old reached his first career ranking final at the English Open in September, narrowly losing out on the Steve Davis trophy to Neil Robertson, despite a spirited fightback.
After reaching this stage at the Shoot Out last weekend, Wu has built on that momentum with another strong run in the Scottish capital.
And he has demonstrated his ability under pressure in his latest two matches, having overcome two top-16 players in deciding frames in UK Championship runner-up Barry Hawkins and International Championship finalist Chris Wakelin.
A showdown with either Mark Allen or Lei Peifan awaits the winner of this match in Sunday’s final.
The match gets under way at 1pm GMT on Saturday and will be contested over the best of 11 frames at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh.
WATCH ALL SCOTTISH OPEN MATCHES STREAMED LIVE
18+ | T&Cs Apply | Geo restrictions may apply | Be Gamble Aware