Defending champion Gary Wilson came from requiring three snookers in the deciding frame to beat China’s Zhou Yuelong 6-5 and reach the BetVictor Scottish Open final in Edinburgh.
It had appeared that Zhou was set to run out the victor in the final frame after an opening break of 69. Wilson edged himself back into contention, but when Zhou potted the green he punched the air after leaving his opponent requiring three snookers to win. Wilson got one of them on the brown and another on the blue to give himself the opportunity of a re-spotted black, which he took. Eventually Zhou spurned a chance and Wilson deposited the black to the middle pocket to seal an unlikely victory.
Zhou had seized control of the encounter this afternoon after breaks of 106, 56 and 77 helped him to establish a 5-3 advantage. However, world number 20 Wilson dug deep and composed contributions of 122 and 54 to force what would prove to be the most dramatic of deciders.
Victory sees Wilson make the fourth ranking final of his career, where he will have the chance to claim a second title. The Wallsend cueman lifted the Stephen Hendry Trophy here 12 months ago when he thrashed Joe O’Connor 9-2 in the final. He now awaits either Scotland’s four-time World Champion John Higgins or Thai number one Noppon Saengkham.
Defeat comes will be a bitter blow for Zhou, who remains without silverware on his professional resume. He’s now appeared in six ranking semi-finals and three finals without taking home the title.
“I’m shocked. Absolutely shocked. I’m shaking like a leaf here. It was just one of those crazy games. It wasn’t a great game. I was really struggling technically. I just fought and fought,” said 38-year-old Wilson.
“I’ve been there. I’ve had plenty of opportunities in the past that I’ve squandered to go on and win an event. I think there are some players that have to go through that. I’ve got the upmost respect for Zhou. He’s got bottle as well. I’m not questioning that. The phenomenal players win tournaments and those that are trying to get one have to sometimes go through that and sometimes it is your turn. It will be his turn soon enough.
“You are going through it. At the end it was just a release. I was so pent up that when I potted the last black I was just delighted to win a game like that for a change. It doesn’t happen very often.”
