China’s Si Jiahui has clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the World Snooker Championship after a gripping 13-10 victory over England’s Ben Woollaston in Sheffield on Monday.
The 23-year-old entered the third session with a narrow 9-7 lead. Woollaston fought back fiercely, leveling the match at 9-9 with a century break of 110 in the 18th frame. The tension escalated as the players traded frames, tying again at 10-10.
Demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure, Si surged ahead by winning the next three frames. He produced a run of 63 in the 21st frame and dazzled the audience with a century break of 126 in the 22nd, showcasing his confidence with spectacular shots. Si sealed his victory in the 23rd frame, setting up a thrilling quarterfinal clash with seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.
After the match, Si admitted feeling the nerves when the score was tied. “We had a break when the match was tied up at 10-all, and I went to the practice table to keep my hands warm,” he said. “I took a couple of shots there to ease myself a bit as I was a bit nervous. This helped me to play better in the last three frames, and I eventually won the match in the end.”
In other action, Belgium’s 2023 world champion Luca Brecel defeated Chinese ace Ding Junhui with a commanding 13-4 scoreline. Meanwhile, Ronnie O’Sullivan outplayed China’s Pang Junxu 13-4, making two centuries and ten half-centuries to complete a routine victory.
