Ronnie O’Sullivan reaches World Open final after thrilling comeback
Ronnie O’Sullivan has battled his way into the World Open final after an absolute nail-biter against Wu Yize this morning, reports BritPanorama.
The seven-time world champion found himself facing a daunting 43-0 deficit in the deciding frame, but ‘The Rocket’ showcased his renowned resilience. He capitalised on a tactical error from his Chinese opponent, sinking a long red and completed a remarkable 89 clearance to clinch the match 6-5.
O’Sullivan initially surged into a 2-0 lead and appeared comfortable at 3-1, yet Wu, ranked 11th in the world, mounted a spirited challenge, leveling the match at 3-3.
What followed was a tense best-of-five shootout, where both players displayed breathtaking skill. O’Sullivan recorded breaks of 97 and 118, while Wu countered with runs of 86 and 77, setting the stage for a final showdown.
This dramatic encounter came just 24 hours after O’Sullivan made snooker history with a stunning break of 153 against Ryan Day in the quarter-finals. He capitalised on a mistake from Day right at the beginning, which handed him a free ball and the opportunity to showcase his talent.
The victory marks O’Sullivan’s entry into his 66th ranking final, a testament to his enduring prowess at the age of 50. He is now targeting his first ranking title since winning the World Grand Prix against Judd Trump in January 2024.
Interestingly, Trump may be O’Sullivan’s opponent again on Sunday, as he faces Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in the remaining semi-final later today. Should O’Sullivan emerge victorious, it would be his record-extending 42nd ranking title, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
In what’s becoming a defining chapter of his long career, O’Sullivan continues to remind fans that age is just a number in the world of snooker — a narrative woven with the threads of tenacity and skill that keeps us all on the edge of our seats.
