World Open: Ronnie O’Sullivan beats Wu Yize in decider to reach final

O'Sullivan into first ranking final for two years

Ronnie O'SullivanImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Ronnie O'Sullivan's last tournament win came in a non-ranking event – the World Masters of Snooker in March 2024

ByCraig Nelson

BBC Sport journalist
  • Published

Ronnie O'Sullivan won a tense deciding frame against China's Wu Yize at the World Open in Yushan to reach a first ranking final in more than two years.

It came the day after he produced the sport's highest-ever professional break of 153 in his 5-0 quarter-final victory over Welshman Ryan Day.

The seven-time world champion was never behind against Wu but struggled to break clear of the world number 11 before finally completing a 6-5 victory.

Wu had the first chance in the decider, opening a decent lead with a break of 43, but 50-year-old O'Sullivan punished a poor safety shot by sinking a long red then held his nerve with a clearance of 89.

The Englishman is into his 66th final in a ranking event – but his first since beating Judd Trump to win the World Grand Prix in January 2024.

World number one Trump faces Thailand's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in Saturday's second semi-final and could once more stand in O'Sullivan's way as he bids for a record-extending 42nd ranking title.

O'Sullivan has signed up to compete in the World Seniors Championship for the first time this year.

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