Stuart Bingham delivered a reminiscent performance reminiscent of his 2015 title run, stunning Ronnie O'Sullivan in the quarter-finals of the Cazoo World Championship with a 13-10 victory at the Crucible. Despite O'Sullivan's initial lead of 8-6, Bingham capitalized on the latter frames, winning seven of the last nine to secure his spot in the semifinals, thereby ending O'Sullivan's bid for an eighth title.
O'Sullivan's hopes for an exceptional season, which included victories in prestigious events like the UK Championship and the Masters, were dashed with this defeat, halting his pursuit of a Triple Crown sweep. Moreover, he relinquished the world number one ranking, paving the way for Mark Allen to ascend to the top spot, marking a significant milestone in Allen's career.
Bingham, currently ranked 29th globally, advances to his third Crucible semi-final, eyeing the opportunity to join an elite group of players who have lifted the trophy in Sheffield more than once. Despite recent struggles with form and eyesight issues, the 47-year-old from Basildon showcased remarkable resilience, particularly after not reaching a ranking event semi-final since the 2021 World Grand Prix.
With Bingham facing Jak Jones in the semi-finals, and Kyren Wilson taking on David Gilbert in the other fixture, this year's semi-final lineup marks a rare occurrence, with three qualifiers among the final four contenders for the title. Bingham, drawing inspiration from his previous triumph and recent resurgence, remains focused on the upcoming challenges, acknowledging the competitive field and the unpredictability of the tournament's outcome.
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