Crucible Thrills: O'Sullivan, Trump, Williams, and Zhao Through to Semis

The World Snooker Championship semi-finals are set, with Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Williams, and Zhao Xintong through. Read more about the thrilling quarter-final matches.

Ronnie O'Sullivan acknowledged that he will need to elevate his game if he is to claim a record eighth World Championship title, after scraping through to the semi-finals.

O'Sullivan's quarter-final victory over Si Jiahui was a nail-biter, with Si mounting a comeback from 10-6 down to 11-9. However, O'Sullivan steadied the ship with a crucial win in the 23rd frame, courtesy of a well-judged long red, and then sealed the win with a clinical 74 break.

WHAT A FINISH!

After struggling earlier in the session, Ronnie O’Sullivan finds some scintillating snooker to finish off Si Jiahui 13-9.

A mouthwatering semi-final with Zhao Xintong awaits 🤤 #HaloWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/QMRgcEP4x3

— WST (@WeAreWST) April 30, 2025

Ronnie O'Sullivan, 48 is not the number but rather born 5 December 1975, will face Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals at the Crucible Theatre.

“I'm just grinding it out, I had some work done on my cue today, I am playing awful and my cue feels awful but I am still here,” O'Sullivan told the BBC. He added, “I won't be able to get away with what I have done so far. I can't get any worse, put it that way.”

Four-time champion John Higgins pushed Mark Williams to a deciding frame, but Williams prevailed after Higgins missed a tense blue on the top cushion.

“There was not one bit of nerves,” Williams said afterwards, adding, “It's just a pleasure playing now. We got the standing ovation walking in and everyone was cheering. You have to enjoy it because you don't know how many times you'll be coming back here.”

Zhao Xintong reached the semi-finals for the first time after converting a 12-4 overnight lead into a 13-5 victory over Chris Wakelin.

“The Chinese are such nice boys, I love to see them playing well,” said O'Sullivan.

Century Record for Trump

Judd Trump has set a new record for the most centuries in a single season, surpassing Neil Robertson's mark of 103. He achieved this feat during his 13-8 win over Luca Brecel.

‘What a clearance, WHAT A RED!’

Ronnie O’Sullivan finds some magic when he needed it most #HaloWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/z1BPkQGHvh

— WST (@WeAreWST) April 30, 2025

Trump's record-breaking moment came after a strong performance, where he equaled Robertson's record with a 115 break and then bettered it with a 116 in the next frame. This impressive display sets him up for a semi-final clash with Mark Williams.

Judd Trump praised his performance after defeating Luca Brecel 13-8. “I played really well tonight, I managed to give myself a boost this afternoon by staying level and that was the difference in the end,” he said.

Trump, who has a history with Mark Williams, added, “I played Mark Williams the last time I was in the semi-finals and it was an epic, he is a legend of the game.”

Meanwhile, Williams edged past John Higgins 13-12, after taking a commanding 12-8 lead by winning the day's first four frames.