China's 27-year-old Xu Si enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 season, notably reaching the semi-finals of the International Championship and making two 147s. And the world number 41 is targeting another jump up the Johnstone's Paint World Rankings in the new campaign...
Si, what was the biggest factor behind your success last season?
It wasn’t a technical improvement, but I made a big step forward in terms of mentality. During the Xi’an Grand Prix and the International Championship in Nanjing, my mental state was positive and I was able to focus on scoring opportunities more effectively. Previously, I was mainly focused on retaining my tour card. Now that I’ve reached a new career-high in the rankings, I’d like to aim for the top 32 or even the top 20. That’s a new motivation.
In Nanjing, you reached the semi-finals for the first time in a best-of-17, single-table format. What did you learn from that experience?
I felt I lacked experience in long-format matches. I played well in the first session, but after the interval I lost focus. I didn’t know how to manage my energy properly. I don’t think too much about whether I can win a title. Everyone starts with the dream of turning professional and becoming a champion. But not everyone can achieve that, so persistence is very important. Even reaching a final or semi-final is already a significant accomplishment. Some people just need more chances. Chinese players performed very well last season. Lei Peifan and Xiao Guodong won titles, and Zhao Xintong became World Champion. It’s all very encouraging. When we see other Chinese players doing well, it shows us what’s possible. Everyone now has more motivation to push forward.
You played in the World Grand Prix last season for the first time. What did you think of the event in Hong Kong?
I really enjoyed the atmosphere. The event was close to home, and many friends and relatives came to watch. The set up was great and overall it was very enjoyable.
Have you rested during the summer break?
Not really. Before the World Championship ended, I was already packing to move to a new apartment in Sheffield. Then I returned to China quite late, rested for ten days then got back into practice. I didn’t really have a proper break. My new place is a bit further from the Ding Junhui Academy, but it’s more comfortable. The old place was closer to the city centre but relatively small. This one is better suited for living in the long term.
You won your qualifying matches for the Wuhan Open and British Open last month, how did you play?
I felt I had some rhythm and touch, probably because I had been practising for a few weeks before that. I wouldn’t say my form is particularly good right now, but my game is reliable and consistent.
