Snooker: O'Sullivan steamrollers his way towards final
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ronnie O'Sullivan looked every inch the champion as he reeled off six straight frames against Matthew Stevens in a masterclass yesterday to take one step to the World Championship final at the Crucible.
Seeking a fourth title in Sheffield, O'Sullivan surged 11-5 clear in the second semi-final on the back of a stunning session. Breaks of 61, 62, 110, 98, 90 and 113 underlined the form which has seen him overcome three former world champions already.
Peter Ebdon, Mark Williams and Neil Robertson had no answer to O'Sullivan's brilliance in the earlier rounds, and although Stevens was briefly level, having started 5-3 in arrears, trouble soon began to mount for the Welshman. The 34-year-old knew there was the potential for O'Sullivan to perform magically, having witnessed the punishment meted out to Williams last Sunday.
Stevens came out playing purposefully and a run to 60 gave him the opening frame, before he raised the bar with a terrific clearance of 63 in the next, after O'Sullivan had led 62-0. Showing composure under intense pressure, he cut in a difficult pink before firing in the black to take the frame by a point.
A 62 from O'Sullivan restored the three-time champion's lead, and when Stevens played a poor safety in the next frame, in went the first century break.
The punishment was relentless. Left a long red, O'Sullivan drilled in and cleared the table. It took several bites to bring up the 10-5 lead, but just one to add another frame, the eighth century of O'Sullivan's championship.
In the other semi-final, 2008 runner-up Ali Carter turned a 5-3 overnight lead into a 10-6 cushion ahead of the evening session with Stephen Maguire, having been pegged to 5-5.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments