After Session 2 at WST World Championship, Xiao and Higgins are deadlocked at 8-8
In an exciting matchup at the Crucible Theatre, China's Xiao Guodong and Scotland's John Higgins find themselves tied at 8-8 as they prepare for the final session of their second round match at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, England....
TroibNews 
In an exciting matchup at the Crucible Theatre, China's Xiao Guodong and Scotland's John Higgins find themselves tied at 8-8 as they prepare for the final session of their second round match at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, England.
The middle session maintained the tension that characterized the contest, which began with both players tied at 4-4 when play resumed on Friday. The afternoon frames were evenly contested until world number three Higgins managed to take a slight lead at 7-6.
The drama intensified during the 14th frame when it seemed Xiao was in control, leaving Higgins in need of two snookers on the blue ball to level the score again. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the four-time world champion successfully set up both snookers, forcing a re-spot.
However, a twist of fate occurred when Higgins attempted to pot the black ball into the yellow pocket but inadvertently passed the cue ball as well, resulting in a frame victory for Xiao. This shifted the momentum, putting Xiao ahead at 8-7. Nevertheless, Higgins quickly retaliated with a stunning 129 century break, pulling the score back to 8-8.
This century was notable as it marked the 63rd of this year's tournament, equaling last season's total and highlighting the high caliber of play throughout the event.
In another second round match, Zhao Xintong currently leads his fellow Chinese player Lei Peifan 5-3. Following a balanced start, Lei's impressive 120 break allowed him to take a 3-2 lead. However, Zhao regained control, achieving breaks of 53, 97, and 61 to win three straight frames and close out the session. Their three-session battle will continue later on Saturday.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
The middle session maintained the tension that characterized the contest, which began with both players tied at 4-4 when play resumed on Friday. The afternoon frames were evenly contested until world number three Higgins managed to take a slight lead at 7-6.
The drama intensified during the 14th frame when it seemed Xiao was in control, leaving Higgins in need of two snookers on the blue ball to level the score again. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the four-time world champion successfully set up both snookers, forcing a re-spot.
However, a twist of fate occurred when Higgins attempted to pot the black ball into the yellow pocket but inadvertently passed the cue ball as well, resulting in a frame victory for Xiao. This shifted the momentum, putting Xiao ahead at 8-7. Nevertheless, Higgins quickly retaliated with a stunning 129 century break, pulling the score back to 8-8.
This century was notable as it marked the 63rd of this year's tournament, equaling last season's total and highlighting the high caliber of play throughout the event.
In another second round match, Zhao Xintong currently leads his fellow Chinese player Lei Peifan 5-3. Following a balanced start, Lei's impressive 120 break allowed him to take a 3-2 lead. However, Zhao regained control, achieving breaks of 53, 97, and 61 to win three straight frames and close out the session. Their three-session battle will continue later on Saturday.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
Interested in more international Sports news? Visit TROIB Sports
