XIAO GUODONG SEALS FINAL SPOT IN WINNERS’ GROUP

XIAO GUODONG SEALS FINAL SPOT IN WINNERS’ GROUP

Invitational January 25th, 2025

Xiao Guodong impressively defeated David Gilbert in the BetVictor Championship League Ranking Invitational Group Seven final to confirm his, and the last remaining, spot in Winners’ Group – live from the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, February 4-5.

The Wuhan Open champion rallied to win a final-frame decider over the Farmer, who walks away with the Group High Break prize after recording a 147 earlier in the session. Xiao will return next month in Winners’ Group, taking on a stellar line-up featuring World No.1 Judd Trump, World Champion Kyren Wilson and four-time World Champion Mark Selby, alongside Hossein Vafaei, Si Jiahui and Matthew Selt.

Gilbert secured his spot in the play-offs in spectacular fashion, coming back from a frame down by virtue of two century breaks, including a third-career maximum, to defeat Joe O’Connor – who disappointed without a single victory in group seven, despite reaching the final in the previous group.

Ricky Walden awaited in the semi-finals, debuting in the competition this season with a mightily impressive six wins from six to top the league table – though only five would register with World Championship runner-up Jak Jones withdrawing after a 3-0 defeat to Walden on Friday.

His streak ran out however in the semis, with Gilbert clearing 135 impressively in a deciding frame to set-up the final with Xiao.

Champion of Champions runner-up Xiao Guodong impressed en-route to the final, falling only to Walden in a 3-1 contest on Friday evening. Coming into Saturday, the 2024 Wuhan Open winner only had to face Gilbert before a semi-final against Thai superstar Noppon Saengkham.

Saengkham finished third in the group, with a record of two wins and three losses, but was swiftly taken apart by Xiao, who recorded breaks of 75, 100 and 123.

The final ebbed and flowed, with both men countering the other to leave a one-frame shootout for the win. It was Xiao who had the table at his mercy, but missed a vital red to seal victory. Gilbert came to the table but followed suit, allowing Xiao to take the match ball.

Winners’ Group will commence on February 4th with all seven group champions re-entering the action, looking to become the BetVictor Championship League Invitational champion, and earning a coveted spot in the Champion of Champions this November.

Broadcast Information

Fans can watch the action unfold globally, with comprehensive live coverage available on two tables throughout the tournament. Table One will be streamed live on the Matchroom Pool YouTube channel and available to UK viewers as well as on Rigour inChina and Viaplay in Scandinavia, theNetherlands, and Iceland. Table Two will be streamed live on the Matchroom Multi Sport YouTube channel, accessible to fans worldwide. A full broadcast schedule will be announced shortly.

With a £20,000 prize fund for the champion and additional financial rewards for each frame won, the 2025 BetVictor Championship League Snooker Invitational guarantees high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss this exciting start to the snooker calendar.