Ronnie O'Sullivan V Zhao Xintong - 01/05/25 13.00, 02/05/25 10.00, 02/05/25 19.00, 03/05/25 14.30
When the draw was made, numerous fans identified the possibility of this match-up in the semi-final. Up until now, there has been very little resistance from their opponents to the fact that both players were almost destined to make the last four.
There's a huge difference in experience between the pair, Ronnie is set to appear in his 14th Crucible semi-final while this will be Xintong's first.
The 28-year-old has won 7 matches to reach the final four so will have momentum behind him, the scoreline of his defeat of Chris Wakelin was impressive however Wakelin was very disappointing throughout.
The form of Ronnie O'Sullivan and his new cue still remains a mystery but he has shown glimpses of brilliance at times during his 3 victories 3 matches to get to this stage. As the 7-time champion aims to make the final and a tilt at winning a history-making 8th title, he faces an opponent who has at times wowed fans by his exciting, attacking style of play that has seen him almost free-wheel to this stage.
The Englishman will know he will have to improve from his victories against Ali Carter, Pang Junxu & Si Jiahui as at times it has looked as if he hasn't gotten out of 3rd gear.
Ultimately I think Xintong will run out of steam and Ronnie will be able to grind down his Chinese opponent.
Prediction: 17-12 Ronnie
Mark Williams V Judd Trump - 01/05/25 19.00, 02/05/25 14.30, 03/05/25 10.00 & 03/05/25 19.00
A repeat of this year's Saudi Arabia Masters final, if we can get a match half as dramatic & entertaining as Judd Trump's final frame decider win we will be doing well.
That match was neck & neck for the majority and this one could be similar but the way the world number 1 blew away Luca Brecel in the final session of their quarter-final was hugely impressive.
There is the possibility that he may have too much for the Welshman but despite admitting to struggling with his eyesight he has battled to reach the final four and I expect him to fight until the final ball is potted.
The 3-time World Champion comes in as an underdog but will fancy his chances of overturning a player playing at the peak of his powers. Williams defeated fellow 'Class of 92' legend John Higgins in the quarter-final in a final-frame decider that summed up the career of both players. Unbelievable, a credit to the sport.
Trump impressively reached his 100th century of the season in his 13-10 victory over Shaun Murphy earlier in the tournament. Securing the £100,000 bonus may well ease the pressure on his shoulders ahead of a huge match against a fellow World Championship winner.
It's been an encouraging season so far, along with cementing his place at the top of the world rankings, he has also picked up 3 ranking event titles (Shanghai Masters, Saudi Arabia Masters, UK Championship).
I'm siding with Trump to progress to his 4th Crucible final. I think he'll be able to outlast Williams with the length of the match a concern for the Welshman.
Prediction: 17-13 Trump
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