Mark Selby has beaten the surprise package of the world snooker championship, Kyren Wilson, 13-8. Selby, who won the tournament in 2014, now looks at good bet for the title.
However, Wilson had one moment of glory. In the twentieth frame he compiled the highest break of the championship so far – a superb 143. However, overall Selby was superior in break building, making eight breaks over 50 (including a century of his own – a 101 in the fourth frame.)
The most interesting match of the day was Alan McManus’ win over four-times world champion John Higgins. McManus is a veteran of the circuit who, despite two major career tournaments, has never fully fulfilled his potential. McManus, aged 45, last reached the semi-finals of the world championship 23 years ago. He has yet to reach the final.
McManus out lasted Higgins 13-11. At times the match was dour, with long safety battles. At other times it featured strong break building. What was impressive about McManus’ performance was the fat he trailed Higgins for most of the match, ending the first session 3-5 down and the second 7-9 behind. Into the final session, the score moved to 10-8 in Higgins’ favor.
The world number 29 then scored four half-centuries together with a fine century break – 128 – to win five of the last six frames. As McManus got better, Higgins faded. Out of form in recent years, this is McManus’ first major tournament semi-final since 2006.
In the third match, Marco Fu held off an inspired Barry Hawkins to win 13-11. At one stage, Fu led 7-1, with Hawkins seemingly tired after his victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan earlier in the tournament. Hawkins then won the second session 5-3, to trail 10-6 going into the last session. Hawkins’ comeback was more impressive considering that Fu led 9-1 at one point.
Hawkins then began to play well, showing the form he showed against O’Sullivan, and won eight out of the next nine frames to pull back to 9-10 behind. After this, frames were swapped and Fu was relieved to compile a break of 74 to get over the finish line.
The semi-finals are now set to begin. The layout of the tournament now changes to a one table situation, and the two semi-finals, which are the best of 33 frames, will take three days to complete.
For the semi-finals, Alan McManus will play Ding Junhui, and Mark Selby will play Marco Fu.
