O’Sullivan beats Wu to reach World Open final

Ronnie O’Sullivan won a tense deciding frame against China’s Wu Yize at the World Open in Yushan to reach his 66th ranking final.
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 has not won a ranking event since beating Judd Trump to claim victory at 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.