Xu Si of China was eliminated from the World Snooker Xi’an Grand Prix after losing to Kyren Wilson of England 5-1 in Friday’s quarterfinals in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. Wilson will face his compatriot, seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semifinals after “The Rocket” saw off Matthew Selt of England in a thrilling nine-frame game.
Wilson bagged an easy win in the first frame. Although Xu pocketed 44 points consecutively in the second frame, he made a mistake and saw his rival turn the game around. The two then traded frames, and Wilson took a 3-1 lead before the intermission.
Xu might have kept his hope of reaching the semifinals alive in the fourth frame, but missed an easy chance before trailing by three frames. A break of 115 for Wilson then saw Xu eliminated from the tournament.
“You can’t be perfect all time. It’s about managing those ups and downs. You know I’ve been a top pro for quite a number of years, so keeping my focus, and just trying to get on with the next shot, that presents itself,” world No. 3 Xu said afterwards.
On the same day, Selt proved a tough opponent for O’Sullivan whose 4-2 lead was wiped by two breaks of 105 and 95 for a decider. Selt’s rally showed his class. He had the chance to secure his first victory over The Rocket when the 48-year-old missed a black on 36. Nonetheless, Selt only made 13 before O’Sullivan came back to seal the deal.
“I thought the way Matt played, when I missed that black and he was at the table, that he would clear up,” O’Sullivan said. “He was playing well. He allowed me to get back in the game and gave me a chance. At 4-4 anything could happen, but Matt deserved to win today, he was the best player by a long way.”