O’Sullivan survives nail-biter to book Hong Kong Masters semi-final berth
English legend wins tantalising final frame to edge Scotland’s John Higgins 5-4 before a capacity crowd at Queen Elizabeth Stadium
“The Rocket” Ronnie O’Sullivan blasted off the blocks but had to endure a tantalising and closely fought final frame to edge Scotland’s John Higgins 5-4 and reach Saturday’s semi-finals of the Hong Kong Masters.
In the battle between two former world champions, five-time world title holder O’Sullivan blew hot and cold at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, leading 2-0 before Higgins, a four-time former world champion, got his game together in the best-of-nine-frame encounter.
The Wizard of Wishaw reeled off four frames in a row to take a 4-2 lead thanks to a 81 break. But O’Sullivan came back to make it 4-3 and then tied things up at 4-4 to set up a decisive ninth frame before a cheering capacity crowd.
A handshake before the final frame and O’Sullivan got the early breaks. A 27 clearance and then a 24 break had him leading 51-40 but the final frame turned out to be a close finish with both players nervously missing on the remaining colours. However, O’Sullivan cleared sufficient points to finally win the exciting frame 80-40.
O’Sullivan looked relieved as he returned to his chair after producing a brilliant performance in the best quarter-final match of the Hong Kong Masters. The 41-year-old O’Sullivan, the world No 14, booked a semi-final meeting against fellow Englishman Judd Trump, who had earlier defeated Shaun Murphy, also from England, 5-3 in the afternoon session.