Emerging Talent Moody Falls Short Against Seasoned Champion

English teenager Stan Moody's fairytale run at the 2025 Wuhan Open concluded in the quarter-finals with a 5-2 defeat to defending champion Xiao Guodong. The 18-year-old Yorkshireman had previously stunned snooker legends Ding Junhui (4-1) and Barry Hawkins (4-3) to reach his first career ranking quarter-final.

Key Match Statistics

• Xiao Guodong's break-building: 3 centuries (128, 107, 101)
• Moody's highest break: 89 in frame 6
• Safety success rate: Xiao 82% vs Moody 73%
• Average shot time: Xiao 22.4s vs Moody 28.7s

Veteran Dominance Continues Four-time world champion Mark Williams advanced to his record-extending 68th ranking semi-final with a commanding 5-1 victory over Zhang Anda. The 50-year-old Welshman quipped: ">I'm playing with house money now – every frame I steal from these young guns feels like a bonus!"

Other Quarter-Final Highlights

1. Gary Wilson edged John Higgins 5-3 in a tactical marathon (4h 15m)
2. Mark Allen survived a final-frame decider against Si Jiahui (5-4)
3. Semi-final lineup marks first all-top-16 clash in Wuhan Open history

Tournament Implications

• Moody projected to break into world's top 50
• Xiao Guodong defends 80,000 ranking points
• Williams could become oldest ranking event finalist since 1991

Technical Analysis Snooker pundits noted Moody's aggressive long-potting strategy (47% success) contrasted sharply with Xiao's methodical safety play. The Chinese star exploited table conditions masterfully, converting 92% of frame-winning opportunities.

The Wuhan Open continues through Sunday at Wuhan Gymnasium, with the winner claiming £150,000 and the coveted Golden Nineball Trophy.