Chinese sensation Wu Yize produced a masterclass to sweep into the semi-finals of the Masters, demolishing his compatriot Xiao Guodong in a brutally one-sided 6-0 rout at Alexandra Palace.
A Dream Start and Total Domination
The young star signalled his intent immediately, compiling a superb break of 112 in the very first frame. He maintained this scintillating form with further runs of 93 and 60, storming into a commanding 4-0 lead by the mid-session interval. Xiao, who had impressed by defeating Mark Selby 6-2 in the previous round, was left shell-shocked and unable to find any rhythm or answer to Wu's relentless potting.
Xiao's Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Xiao Guodong's challenge unravelled from the outset. He had a clear chance in the opening frame but missed a routine blue to the centre pocket, inadvertently leaving the reds open for Wu. This set the tone for a match defined by dreadful misses and poor safety play from Xiao, who failed to register a single frame on the scoreboard. His performance was a stark contrast to his confident display against Selby, as he struggled to capitalise on any slim opportunities presented.
Sealing a Comprehensive Victory
After the break, there was no let-up from the dominant Wu. He coolly fashioned a break of 84 to take the fifth frame and move within one of victory. He then rounded off a near-perfect afternoon by missing out on a century by just three points, sealing the match with a superb 97 break to complete the whitewash.
Speaking to BBC Sport after his triumph, an elated Wu Yize said: "It is definitely a dream stage for me from since I was a little kid. I just told myself to enjoy every moment of this match and give my best and obviously it is a great performance."
Wu now awaits the winner of the evening's remaining quarter-final between former champion Neil Robertson and Kyren Wilson, who will battle for the right to face him in the last four.
