Ronnie O’Sullivan made a huge comeback to reach the semi-finals in Shanghai

The match of eternity between Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins did not achieve the high standard we had hoped for.

Higgins He played better practically from the start, but not by enough, and the world number one somehow made it 2-2 in the first four frames before the break. However, after the break, he showed more and more signs of impatience, while Higgins, on the other hand, advanced in balanced fashion, taking a 5-2 lead. He also pushed two laps of 100, as well as two laps of over 70.

He was very close to winning in the eighth frame, but at the last minute he missed an opportunity and his opponent was able to take advantage of his opportunity this time. O’Sullivan He had a red eye, and seemed to be becoming more and more interested in the match, which he almost lost. He reached 5-4, then won the tenth frame to win the deciding frame. For the first time, he pushed a break of half a hundred, which turned into a round of 100.

In the final frame, one chance was enough for him again. He finished the match with a complete elimination with a break of 130. In effect, he brought a losing match from the grave, although of course that required Higgins’ approval. Who was often unable to finish a match that was about to be won. At the same time, chances didn’t just fall into O’Sullivan’s lap, as he worked with them, making many great saves. What didn’t work throughout the match, which was the build-up to the break, came together beautifully in the end.

Judd Trump And Mark Selby Balanced against each other in their duel, the young Englishman was considered the favorite. Trump has consistently beaten Selby since 2015, meaning he has already won six in a row over the four-time world champion. Who won the last three world championships since he couldn’t beat Trump…

But every series has an end. Trump started better, taking a 70-round lead, but then was unable to win any more frames. Selby took six straight frames with five big breaks and advanced to the semi-finals 6-1. However, Trump had a problem: his hand was stuck on something. This may also have contributed to his defeat. However, Selby played confidently and well, which is not always something in his case: breaking power.

On Friday, O’Sullivan and Selby will face off in the first semi-final of the Shanghai Masters. They have not met for a long time: the last time they met was in the final of the 2020 British Open, where Selby won 9-3, thus avenging his very painful defeat in the semi-finals of the World Championship. He suffered not long ago. They have played six semi-finals so far, with Rakita winning four times.

The two-part match begins at 8 a.m. and must be won by ten frames. This stage is broadcast by Eurosport. The second leg starts at 1:30 p.m. and can be watched live on Eurosport 2.