Xiao Guodong expressed that he feels “sorry” for his idol Ronnie O’Sullivan after defeating the seven-time world champion 5-3 in the second round of the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong. O’Sullivan, aiming for a record 42nd ranking title, was among several big names, including defending champion Neil Robertson and world number one Judd Trump, to exit early.
Xiao, who had also beaten 2024 world champion Kyren Wilson in the opening round, made a tournament-leading 144 break in the first frame and followed it with a strong performance to secure the win. “I want him going to the final, winning the championship, and doing well, but it’s sport,” Xiao said. “I feel sorry for Ronnie, but we are still very good friends.”
Xiao will face Pang Junxu in the quarter-finals, while 2017 champion Barry Hawkins was also knocked out, losing 5-3 to Zhang Anda after briefly leveling at 3-3.
