Wu Yize Triumphs in Thrilling Decider to Seal Scottish Open Semi-Final Spot

Wu Yize clinched a dramatic final-frame victory over Chris Wakelin at the Meadowbank Sports Centre on Friday, securing his spot in the Scottish Open semi-finals. Wu’s resilience and precision under pressure saw him edge past Wakelin, who had earlier established a strong lead. Wu will now face Xiao Guodong, who stunned Luca Brecel with a dominant 5-1 win, in the last four.

Wakelin began the quarter-final in style, producing a scintillating 107 clearance in the opening frame. His long red from the right to the left pocket set the tone for a near-flawless display in the first frame. In the second, Wu attempted a daring long red from the baulk along the left cushion but faltered on a pink to the middle pocket. Wakelin capitalized, constructing a tidy break of 51 to extend his lead to 2-0.

The momentum shifted in the third frame when Wakelin’s attempt at a snooker behind the green fell short. Wu seized the opportunity, compiling a brilliant break of 82 to cut the deficit. In the fourth, Wu maintained his composure, leveling the scores with a solid break of 72.

After the interval, Wakelin regained a slender advantage by taking the fifth frame. However, Wu responded with impressive control, winning the next two frames to lead 4-3. Refusing to back down, Wakelin forced a decider by clinching the eighth frame.

In the final frame, Wu displayed nerves of steel. A composed run of 66 proved decisive, as Wakelin faltered under pressure. Wu’s victory not only highlighted his ability to withstand pressure but also set up an enticing semi-final clash with compatriot Xiao Guodong.

Meanwhile, the evening session will feature Tom Ford taking on Lei Peifan, while Noppon Saengkham faces Mark Allen, promising further drama in the Edinburgh showcase.