Maguire Shocks World Champion Zhao in Epic Black-Ball Thriller at Wuhan Open
Stephen Maguire pulled off a dramatic upset at the Wuhan Open, edging out reigning world champion Zhao Xintong in a nail-biting 5-4 victory to reach the last 16. The 44-year-old Scotsman, who has enjoyed a resurgence in form lately, came from behind in a high-quality encounter that kept the Chinese crowd on the edge of their seats.
Maguire, known for his gritty determination and fluent break-building, racked up impressive runs of 58, 71, 92, and a brilliant 119 to take the match to a deciding ninth frame. Zhao, the home favourite and current world champion, looked poised to secure the win after potting what appeared to be the frame ball. However, a crucial misjudgment saw him inadvertently pot the brown, leaving the door ajar for Maguire.
Seizing the moment, Maguire produced a composed break of 45, including some nerveless long pots, to clinch the frame 65-61 on the final black. The Scot, who only recently claimed his first ranking title in five years, admitted he had mentally prepared himself for one last chance.
“I was getting myself up for if I got a chance, thinking ‘please clear up’,” he told World Snooker. “Thankfully, I managed to do it. The crowd was obviously for him. He has a lot to carry, though—pressure-wise, he is carrying a whole country.”
Elsewhere in Wuhan, defending champion Xiao Guodong overcame David Grace 5-3 to set up a clash with Matthew Selt, who defeated Marco Fu 5-1. Mark Williams showed his class with breaks of 129 and 95 in a 5-1 rout of Joe O’Connor and will next face Mark Selby, who eased past David Gilbert 5-2.
World number one Judd Trump also progressed, outlasting Jack Lisowski 5-3, while the last-16 lineup was completed by Gary Wilson, Stan Moody, Barry Hawkins, John Higgins, Tom Ford, Zhang Anda, Aaron Hill, Mark Allen, and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
With several heavyweights still in contention, the Wuhan Open promises more drama as it heads into the business end of the tournament.
