O’Sullivan Eyes Record-Eighth World Championship Title
Ronnie O’Sullivan progressed to the World Snooker Championship semi-finals after a 13-9 victory over Si Jiahui, maintaining his bid for a record eighth title in the modern era. O’Sullivan, who had a 10-6 advantage going into Wednesday evening’s session, faced a late challenge as Si won three of the first four frames, closing the gap to 11-9. However, a brilliant long red helped O’Sullivan win a tight 22nd frame, and he sealed the win with a 74 break to advance to the semi-finals.
The 49-year-old Englishman, a 41-time ranking event winner, will now face former UK champion Zhao Xintong in the last four.
O’Sullivan’s Self-Criticism Despite Victory
Despite his victory, O’Sullivan was far from satisfied with his performance. Speaking to BBC Sport, he admitted that he felt his game was off, citing issues with his cue. “I’m just grinding it out. I have had some work done on my cue today and I am probably going to have to try and get a new ferrule and tip because it feels awful,” O’Sullivan said. “I’m playing awful, and the cue feels awful, so it is the worst situation to be in as a snooker player. I don’t think I can get any worse.”
Trump Sets Century Record in Dominant Win Over Brecel
Meanwhile, world number one Judd Trump made history, setting a new record for the most centuries in a single season as he cruised past Luca Brecel 13-8. Trump, who now has 11 centuries at this year’s World Championship, will face three-time champion Mark Williams in the semi-finals.
In a commanding performance, Trump made an early statement with a 115 break in the opening frame, before following it up with a 116 break. Trump’s consistency and break-building power were too much for Brecel, who could only manage a paltry 19 points in the first four frames. Trump was able to seal the win after Brecel missed a crucial brown, advancing to the semi-finals.
Williams Edges Higgins in Thrilling Final-Frame Decider
Mark Williams also advanced to the semi-finals in dramatic fashion, defeating John Higgins 13-12 in a nail-biting black ball decider. The thrilling match featured a rollercoaster of emotions as the 49-year-old Welshman triumphed in a classic Crucible encounter, with both players showcasing their immense skill and mental toughness under pressure.
O’Sullivan Reflects on His Late Victory
O’Sullivan, who admitted to having a few “lucky” moments during his match, expressed his belief that his opponents had not capitalized on his mistakes. “He played poor and let me off the hook,” O’Sullivan said about Si. “I got lucky again. I have tried to give it my best and I am just hanging in there.” Despite his self-criticism, O’Sullivan acknowledged that he had benefited from errors made by his opponents, but added that such mistakes won’t be as forgivable in the semi-finals. “I won’t be able to get away with the standard I have played the last three matches at,” he said.
Exciting Semi-Final Lineup
The semi-finals will feature some of the sport’s biggest stars. O’Sullivan will take on Zhao Xintong, while Trump will face Williams in what promises to be an electrifying contest between two of snooker’s most talented left-handed players.
Analysis: The Battle for the Title
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry shared his excitement for the upcoming semi-finals. “Judd Trump is all about bullying the table, and Mark Williams is all about guile. It’s going to be incredible in the semis,” Hendry said. However, Hendry also highlighted Zhao Xintong as a potential dark horse, noting that he has breezed through the tournament with impressive form. “My head says a Trump v O’Sullivan final, but it will be some story if Zhao gets to the final.”
