China's Xiao Guodong upsets world No. 2 Kyren Wilson at Wuhan Open

Xiao Guodong of China defeated world No. 2 and world champion Kyren Wilson of England 5-4 at the Wuhan Open in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, on Tuesday, advancing to round of 16 at the tournament.

Though Wilson made two 63 breaks to build an early 2-0 lead in the match, Xiao required snookers to take the third frame on the black and then added the fourth to make it a 2-2 draw. He then continued to bounce back by clinching the following two frames, but Wilson refused to give up, making two century runs of 118 and 108 respectively to tie the match 4-4. In the end, Xiao finished the decider 61-44 as the winner of the competition.

"Kyren is ranked No. 2 in the world and became World Champion this year so I kept a clear head and reminded myself to be patient for my chances," Xiao said. "Whether I was leading or trailing, I couldn't let my guard down. When I compete in China, I really want to win. Having fans and my family in the audience makes me want to play at my best. Thankfully I managed to get the result today." He will face Barry Hawkins of England next.

Home favorite Ding Junhui beat his compatriot Yuan Sijun 5-2, not only reaching the round of 16, but also getting revenge on the opponent for being swept by Yuan at the tournament last year.

The match was tied 1-1 after the two each clinched one frame. Then Ding fired in breaks of 95 and 110 respectively to lead 3-1. Though Yuan responded a break of 82 in the fifth and kept the sixth as close as 50-50, Ding struck again to take two consecutive frames to win the match.

"Chinese players are improving their technical skills and gaining more experience, they are getting better," Ding said. "They have become familiar with the different styles of players and Chinese competitors stand out in various events now." He will play Chris Wakelin of England in the next round.