Seven-time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and current Crucible king Kyren Wilson prevailed in their respective last eight encounters to set up a mouth watering semi-final meeting at the inaugural Xi’an Grand Prix.
O’Sullivan is now set to appear in the 93rd semi-final of his incredible career. However, he needed to hold off a brilliant fightback from world number 37 Matthew Selt, who he eventually defeated 5-4.
The loss for Selt extends his wait for a first ever win over O’Sullivan, who now leads their head to head 3-0.
It appeared to be plain sailing in today's match for the Rocket, when he moved into a commanding 4-2 lead. However, Selt showed his class to rally with breaks of 105 and 95 to force a decider.
Both players had chances early on in the final frame. O’Sullivan was first in and missed a black on 36 to allow Selt an opportunity for a momentous victory. He could only make 13 and O’Sullivan got back in to compile a match winning 35 to seal his place in the semis.
O’Sullivan said: “I thought the way Matt played, when I missed that black and he was at the table, that he would clear up. He was playing well. He allowed me to get back in the game and gave me a chance. At 4-4 anything could happen, but Matt deserved to win today, he was the best player by a long way.”
World Champion Wilson had a more straightforward route to the last four, demolishing China’s Xu Si 5-1 in just over one hour and 30 minutes.
The Warrior had a rocky start to his reign as World Champion when he was defeated 6-0 by Zhou Yuelong in his first knockout appearance at the Shanghai Masters. However, he has looked far sharper this week.
Breaks of 69, 50 and 115 helped him to victory over Xu and set up tomorrow’s game with O’Sullivan, who he defeated 6-5 in their most recent meeting at the 2021 UK Championship.