In subsequent tournaments Gao had wins against Zhao Jianbo, Kacper Filipiak, Mitchell Mann and Duane Jones. In the Northern Ireland Open Gao lost 4-0 to World No.1 Judd Trump, who had breaks of 109, 127 and a maximum 147. In the World Championship, Gao beat experienced player Paul S Davison 6-3 and played very well against Lyu Haotian to lead 5-3. But his more experienced compatriot won the last 3 frames to edge the match 6-5. Gao finished his debut season ranked 107.