
Zhou Yuelong Shocks Mark Selby and Secures English Open Final Spot
2025-09-21
Author: Benjamin
In a stunning display of skill and resilience, China's Zhou Yuelong triumphed over two-time champion Mark Selby with a 6-3 victory, propelling him into the final of the English Open in Brentwood.
Zhou began the match with an impressive flourish, racing to a 3-0 lead. Although Selby managed to claw back one frame with a remarkable 71 clearance, Zhou kept his composure and maintained the lead, marking his fourth entry into a ranking final.
This marks a significant comeback for the 27-year-old, who had a rocky start to the season, failing to reach even a single quarter-final in previous ranking events. In fact, this is his first ranking final since he contended against Mark Allen in the Northern Ireland Open in 2022.
Reflecting on his performance, Zhou revealed, "Mental strength is crucial in this sport. After missing a shot, it's important to keep positive thoughts. This season has seen a big shift for me." He expressed his determination, stating, "If I win the final, it will be a source of immense pride. The journey from zero to one is tough, but I’m ready to give it my all."
Zhou will face Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, who secured his place in the final after a nail-biting match against Jak Jones. In an electrifying contest that came down to the last frames, both players showcased their prowess with a century break each early on. Despite Jones taking a 5-3 lead, Allen mounted a fierce comeback, reeling off breaks of 79, 68, and 86 to seal his spot in the final.
As the stage is set for an exciting showdown, all eyes will be on Zhou and Allen as they vie for the coveted title, promising an action-packed finale that snooker fans won't want to miss.