Si Jiahui delivered a stunning performance to defeat Ronnie O’Sullivan 6-4 and secure his spot in the semi-finals of the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters. This victory marks Si's first win over the seven-time World Champion and guarantees him a £100,000 prize, equaling his highest career earnings achieved at the 2023 World Championship.
In the semi-finals, Si will face Mark Williams, another member of the Class of 92, in a best-of-11 match. The winner will advance to the best-of-19 final on Saturday, where the top prize is £500,000. The last time Si and Williams competed was at the World Championship earlier this year, where Si edged out Williams in a tight 10-9 contest.
During their recent match, Si took an early lead by winning the first frame and then added the second with a break of 87. Despite O’Sullivan’s comeback, including a break of 65 to steal the third frame, Si surged ahead with a significant lead after a near maximum break attempt in the seventh. O’Sullivan fought back with breaks of 65 and 56 to narrow the gap, but Si sealed the match with a final break of 82.
Mark Williams, who secured his semi-final spot with a commanding 6-0 victory over Jimmy Robertson, expressed his admiration for the 22-year-old Si. Williams acknowledged Si's potential and noted his own experience and mental toughness as key factors in his long career. The two will meet in what promises to be an exciting clash, with both players eager to advance further in the tournament.
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