Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, was earlier defeated by Brecel in the quarterfinals thanks to his seven straight frames of comeback victories.
The World Championship final between Luca Brecel and four-time world champion Mark Selby will take place at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre thanks to Luca Brecel’s incredible comeback victory over Si Jiahui.
Brecel trailed the 20-year-old Chinese qualifier 14-5 before overcoming the worst deficit in tournament history with an amazing 11-frame winning streak to win 17-15.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, had previously been ousted by Brecel in the quarterfinals after coming from behind to win seven consecutive frames. Si demonstrated amazing calm to stop Brecel’s run of 11 frames with a break of 91, ending Brecel’s ambition to become the youngest finalist in the history of the Crucible and the first world champion since 1979. Brecel, though, maintained his composure to win the match in dramatic fashion.
Si felt that his own safety had failed him, despite the fact that Brecel had played “nearly perfect” snooker in the final two sessions. “I’ve come to terms with the fact that my play is flawed. I still have a lot of room for growth, so I’ll be certain that I can defeat anyone in the upcoming season, Si stated.
With a 17-15 victory over Mark Allen of Northern Ireland, Selby, who was last crowned world champion in 2021, advanced to his sixth world final. Prior to winning five straight frames, including one with a break of 103, to seize control of the match, Selby had a slim 11-10 lead into the final session. Before Selby ended the match in the 32nd frame, Allen took the next five frames.
- Just twelve hours before the final was supposed to begin, the game ended at 12:47 am local time. Selby, who acknowledged that he had squandered several opportunities to clinch the match, was relieved to succeed. “Luca will be rested.
While this was going on, Brecel was jubilant over his victory. It's astonishing that I won. My life's biggest game is currently underway. Brecel shook with shock and remarked, "I was in disbelief. Having never advanced past the first round before, the 28-year-old Belgian has finally reached his first global final.
The Brecel vs. Selby final between two players in excellent form should be intriguing. Brecel will be in good shape following his amazing comeback victory over Si, but Selby will be aiming to win his fifth global championship. The spectacular campaign will come to a close with the final, which is likely to be entertaining.
