Xiao Guodong of China secured a place in the final of the Champion of Champions tournament in Bolton by defeating reigning champion Mark Allen 6-3. Xiao, showcasing his best professional season, established an early lead with breaks of 71 and 83. Although Allen equalized at 3-3, Xiao regained control, winning the last three frames to clinch victory. Having previously defeated snooker legends Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Selby, Xiao will face either Mark Williams or Neil Robertson in the final for a £150,000 prize on Sunday.