Xiao Guodong v Mark Williams: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Xiao Guodong has been taking care of big names at the Champion of Champions in Bolton and the Chinese player may have enough wind in his sails to overcome another, Mark Williams, in the final.

Xiao came from 0-3 to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in his opener, then did the same against Mark Selby to win the group. He also beat another former world number one in Mark Allen in the last four.

Williams, now in his 50th year, has also dismissed a couple of world champions in Kyren Wilson and Neil Robertson but he could find Xiao too good to resist.

Xiao Guodong v Mark Williams betting tips and predictions

Xiao Guodong to win – 11/10

Both of these contenders are making their maiden appearances in the final after beating a couple of two-time former champions in the last four in Mark Allen and Neil Robertson.

Xiao claimed his maiden ranking title at the Wuhan Open in October and was a semi-finalist at the International Championship last time out, showing he remained in peak form and full of confidence coming to Bolton.

He looked in real trouble when trailing O'Sullivan 0-3 in his opener, but the Chinese rallied, keeping the Rocket scoreless in three straight frames before winning the decider.

He also trailed Selby 0-3 and 1-4 in the group decider, but battled back again to win a tense final frame. There's no doubting he had some luck on his side when fluking the yellow in that decider, but Xiao made the most of it to win.

Breaks of 83 and 71 helped him get ahead against Allen in the last four. Leading 5-3, frame nine went to the colours and Xiao produced a stunning positional shot off the blue to develop pink and black and claim his win.

He has looked very focused this week, dismissing players that have won a combined 75 ranking titles, and he can claim the scalp of the three-time world champion in the final.

Race to 3 Frames - Mark Williams to win – 4/5

As noted, Xiao has twice trailed 3-0 already this week and it might be a similar story in the final. Despite his superb recent form, this is a massive occasion for the world's number 16, whereas his wily Welsh opponent has been here and done it on so many occasions.

Williams has won the race to three in each of his three starts in Bolton this week and may well do so again, with his wealth of experience likely to prohibit any early nerves on trophy day.

Xiao Guodong to win 10-7 – 9/1

This should go close. Xiao and Williams have clashed five times on the main tour, with none of those over any longer than best-of-seven frames.

Their most recent meeting was at last year's English Open when Williams edged a high-scoring showdown in a deciding frame.

Xiao has long been touted as a major talent but only this season is he showing signs of fulfilling that potential. Williams is almost certain to push him to the pin of his collar and while Xiao may get it done, it's unlikely to be easy and 10-7 offers some value.

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Xiao Guodong v Mark Williams odds

Xiao Guodong – 11/10
Mark Williams – 8/11

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.