Ronnie O’Sullivan displayed his trademark composure in a tense and scrappy encounter to overcome China’s Si Jiahui 13-9 and reach his 14th semi-final at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield. O’Sullivan now faces Zhao Xintong, competing as an amateur, for a spot in the final. Zhao defeated Chris Wakelin 13-5 to advance.
Looking to eclipse Stephen Hendry’s record of seven world titles, O’Sullivan showed his class in key moments, though he admitted afterwards that his overall form had been below par.
O’Sullivan had built a 6-2 overnight lead and pushed that to 7-2 early on Wednesday after Si missed a routine pink. Although Si responded with a century break and some impressive play, O’Sullivan seized on errors such as missed reds and browns to edge frames and maintain control.
Si narrowed the gap at several points, pulling to within two at 10-8, but O’Sullivan responded with a vital break to go 11-8. Despite more pressure from Si, two late errors allowed O’Sullivan to clear up clinically and seal the match.
Elsewhere, Judd Trump produced a stunning turnaround to beat Luca Brecel 13-8, reeling off five consecutive frames to move into a semi-final clash with veteran Mark Williams, who edged out John Higgins 13-12.
Trump’s win featured two more century breaks, bringing his season tally to 104 and surpassing Neil Robertson’s long-standing record.
Speaking after his win, O’Sullivan was candid: “I got off the hook again. Si didn’t finish off the frames and I nicked a few. I’ve probably been the worst performer of the tournament, but somehow I’m still here. I’ll need to raise my game to beat Zhao.”
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