Wu Beats Zhou To Reach International Championship Final

Wu Yize continued his good shape arsenic he hit world champion Zhou Xintong 9-6 to scope nan International Championship last successful Nanjing.

The 22-year-old, who came into nan all-Chinese semi-final connected a 12-frame winning streak, mislaid nan first framework but soon settled, opening up a 4-2 lead pinch a sparkling 140.

The brace went into nan break level astatine 4-4 but Wu took power afterwards arsenic he ruthlessly won nan adjacent 4 frames while notching his 10th period of nan tournament.

Zhou rallied to return nan lucifer to 6-8 but it was successful vain arsenic Wu forced a number of mistakes from his 28-year-old force successful nan 15th framework to declare victory.

"I'm rather excited. I didn't deliberation I could really hit him. In fact, arsenic soon arsenic nan 2nd convention began, I felt a batch of pressure," said Wu.

"He missed a brownish shot I didn't expect successful nan ninth frame. I was fresh to spell to nan bath and hole for nan adjacent frame. It came arsenic a surprise. It was a turning point."

Wu will look nan victor betwixt John Higgins aliases Stephen Maguire, who play successful nan all-Scottish 2nd semi-final connected Saturday.

The last takes spot connected Sunday, pinch Wu looking to triumph his first ranking title.

He was a losing finalist doubly past play aft being beaten by Neil Robertson successful nan English Open and Lei Peifan astatine nan Scottish Open.

"I've decidedly improved since my past ranking final, particularly recently. I consciousness I've started to make little mistakes successful matches, compared to past year," added Wu.