O'Sullivan into first ranking final for two years

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