O’Sullivan to Clash with Xintong in Semis

SHEFFIELD: Following his quarter-final victory at the World Snooker Championship on Wednesday, Ronnie O’Sullivan, the decorated seven-time champion, delivered a forthright assessment of Si Jiahui’s performance, remarking that the Chinese competitor’s play was ‘poor.’

While O’Sullivan hasn’t yet peaked at the Crucible, he executed a pivotal shot at a crucial juncture in his 13–9 triumph over Si Jiahui.

Although not without imperfections, ‘The Rocket’ showcased his finest snooker skills precisely when it mattered most.

The seven-time world champion displayed flashes of brilliance, securing his advancement to the semi-final against Zhao Xintong.

With Si’s refusal to concede and the score standing at 11–9, the Chinese player held a 54–29 advantage in the 21st frame.

Ronnie O’Sullivan faced a challenging long red, situated perilously close to the side cushion, a miss at this stage could have been decisive.

Post-match, O’Sullivan provided a candid evaluation of his performance and his opponent’s.

“His performance was subpar. Throughout the entire match, his play was lacking, and he granted me numerous escapes. I experienced good fortune once more.”

Acknowledging he was not at his best, the seven-time world champion attributed his success more to Si’s missed opportunities than to any exceptional form of his own.

“He was presented with numerous opportunities, and despite my efforts, he allowed me to avoid trouble.

“I am simply persevering,” he added. “I had some adjustments made to my cue today. My play is currently subpar, and my cue feels inadequate, yet I remain in contention. I long for the exhilaration of performing well.

“I have dedicated my utmost effort but am merely hanging on. While I aspire to play with greater skill, I must endeavor to rediscover my form at some juncture.

“I do not feel out of practice, having played for only a month, but I simply could not bring myself to play.”