Xiao Guodong defeats ‘Idol’ at the World Grand Prix, winning 5-3… Xiao recorded a tournament-best 144 clearances in the match. Ronnie O’Sullivan joins Shaun Murphy and Judd Trump among Britons to be eliminated early from the tournament.
Last update: 05/02/26 1:44 PM
Ronnie O’Sullivan lost 6-4 to Zhou Yuelong.
Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the World Grand Prix round of 16 after losing 5-3 to world number 10 Xiao Guodong.
Guodong made a tournament-high 144 clearances as he jumped to a 2–0 lead, but O’Sullivan came back into the match to equalize the score at 3–3 at the break.
The Chinese player sealed victory with two 50+ breaks in the last two frames, leaving O’Sullivan to suffer the same fate as fellow Britons Judd Trump and Shaun Murphy.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Shaun Murphy placed 147th in the Paddy Power Perfect Challenge for the second year in a row!
Guodong said after the game, “Ronnie is my idol. I hope he does well and wins the tournament.” “But this is a sport and I want to win every time I play.
“I was nervous for the last two frames, but I tried to be more relaxed, like Ronnie.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mark Selby has paid tribute to John Virgo after the snooker legend passed away aged 79.
In other matches, Chris Wakelin came from 4-2 down to beat Elliot Slessor 5-4, while Zhang Anda and Si Jiahui also advanced.
British champion Mark Selby will face Guodong for a place in the quarter-finals.
