Xiao beats defending champion Allen to reach semis

Xiao Guodong defeated 2023 winner Mark Allen 6-3 as he moved into the final of the Champion of Champions in Bolton.

China's Xiao, who is enjoying his best campaign as a professional, took the opener with a 71 clearance after world number three Allen broke down on 65 and he also enjoyed runs of 83 and 71 to establish a 3-1 lead at the interval.

However, the Northern Irishman drew level at 3-3 before Xiao pulled clear again, taking two hard-fought frames before sealing his victory.

Xiao, who had already beaten Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby on his way to the last four, will now face either Mark Williams or Neil Robertson on Sunday (13:00 GMT) in a battle for the £150,000 top prize.