Selby and Carter to Face Off in Second Semi-Final

Kyren Wilson, the world number two, secured a spot in the Shanghai Masters semi-final against current world champion Zhao Xintong after defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan on Thursday.

Wilson overcame O’Sullivan with a 6-3 victory, extending his winning record against the seven-time world champion to three matches.

The intense match was closely contested, reaching a 3-3 tie after six frames. Wilson, the 2024 world champion, then clinched three successive frames to seal a convincing 6-3 triumph.

Wilson compiled two century breaks during the quarter-final, with his highest being 111 in the fifth frame.

Following his win, Wilson expressed gratitude to the enthusiastic crowd for ‘motivating’ him in the Shanghai Masters, which he likened to the Masters in London as a premier Chinese event.

Wilson stated, “This feels like the main event in China these days. It’s similar to the Masters in London, and the vibrant audience is truly inspiring. I felt it was a spectacle on both tables.”

He added that the fans received great entertainment, with top-ranked Chinese players competing on one table and a talented player challenging legend O’Sullivan, whom he hailed as the greatest of all time.

Wilson concluded, “The audience certainly got their money’s worth tonight, witnessing the two highest-ranked and most popular Chinese players alongside the greatest of all time against a player in top form.”

Meanwhile, Zhao, who is competing for the first time since his World Championship victory in May, comfortably defeated fellow countryman Ding Junhui 6-1 to advance to the semi-final.

He maintained his impressive form, making significant breaks of 134, 132, and 118 to secure a victory in under 90 minutes.

The second semi-final of the Shanghai Masters will feature a contest between experienced snooker players Mark Selby and Ali Carter.