Ronnie O’Sullivan currently shares the record for Crucible titles in the modern era with Stephen Hendry, both having secured seven championships.
Ronnie O’Sullivan advanced to the World Championship semi-finals with a 13-9 victory over Si Jiahui, sustaining his pursuit of an unprecedented eighth Crucible crown.
Holding a 10-6 lead entering the evening session, the 49-year-old Briton initially yielded momentum, conceding three of the opening four frames as Si narrowed the gap to 11-9.
Nonetheless, a superb long red proved decisive for O’Sullivan in a closely contested 23rd frame, and he sealed his triumph with an assured break of 74.
Boasting a record total of 41 ranking event wins, O’Sullivan will now face former UK champion Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “I’m just battling through. I’ve had some work done on my cue today and may need a new ferrule and tip because it feels terrible.”
“I’m not playing well and the cue doesn’t feel right, which is far from ideal for any snooker player. I don’t think it can get much worse.”
In the other quarter-final, world number one Judd Trump established a new record for centuries in a single season as he overcame Luca Brecel 13-8, setting up a last-four encounter with three-time champion Mark Williams.
Williams, also 49, emerged victorious in a tense final-frame black ball decider against John Higgins, winning 13-12.
After returning to competitive play following cue damage earlier this year, O’Sullivan had expressed doubts about his chances upon his arrival in Sheffield.
Yet, with top seeds such as Mark Selby, Mark Allen, and Kyren Wilson exiting the competition early from his half of the draw, he now stands just one victory from reaching his ninth Crucible final.
Despite his personal claims of benefitting from opponents’ mistakes, O’Sullivan remains a formidable contender based on current performances.
Long-range inaccuracy persisted in his matches against Ali Carter and Pang Junxu, as well as versus Si, but no player has so far been able to fully capitalise on O’Sullivan’s errors.
Si, who was a semi-finalist just last year, was left to reflect on missed opportunities after failing to take frames when chances arose, ultimately finding O’Sullivan too clinical when presented his own chances.
O’Sullivan commented: “He played poorly and let me off the hook.”
“I was fortunate again. I’m giving my all and just trying to stay in contention.”
“Relying on opponents to falter isn’t satisfying—it’s much more rewarding to seize the initiative and apply pressure yourself. Winning because you played well, rather than because opponents lost, is always preferred.”
“With the standard Trump, Williams, and Zhao offer, I won’t be able to progress any further if I maintain my current level of play.”
Williams edges Higgins in dramatic final-frame finish
World Championship: Fixture list, results & full BBC coverage
Latest from the Crucible quarter-finals
The clash between Trump and Williams will reunite two of the sport’s most eminent left-handers, reprising their riveting 2022 semi-final encounter.
Trump narrowly overcame Williams 17-16 in that memorable contest, and required little exertion to see off Brecel on this occasion.
While the afternoon session was competitive, with Brecel producing several spectacular pots, Trump finished 8-8 before asserting dominance in the later frames.
He opened the session with a commanding 115 to equal Neil Robertson’s 2013-14 milestone of 103 centuries, surpassing the record in the next frame with a 116 break.
Trump downplayed the achievement, stating, “I’m not concerned about the record.”
“What matters is producing significant breaks when needed. It was about staying resilient and maintaining pressure.”
The landmark marked Trump’s 11th century of this year’s tournament, putting him in contention to challenge the existing one-event Crucible record of 16, set by Stephen Hendry in 2002 and matched by Mark Williams in 2022.
Brecel, the 2022 world champion, was ultimately unable to respond, tallying just 19 points across the first quartet of frames, with Trump completing the match after a key miss on the brown.
Stephen Hendry, seven-time world champion
“Judd Trump exerts relentless pressure, while Mark Williams operates with craft and ingenuity. The semi-final promises exceptional snooker.”
“Yet, Zhao Xintong’s progress excites me most; he has approached the tournament with remarkable composure. My prediction leans towards a Trump v O’Sullivan final, but Zhao’s breakthrough story remains compelling.”
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