There is a semifinal in the offing for both fan favorites of the Northern Ireland Open, Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan. Both players with their juicy playing patterns swept through the rounds to make it to the semifinals, and fans of the pair have been caught licking their padded stats in utmost admiration. Putting things into perspective, it’s been a casual walk in the park for the duo.
Trump and Ronnie are poised to take on two other players – Joe Perry and Higgins, respectively – who shoved aside all odds to make it to this stage. Both Perry and Higgins have been quite a spectacle and have consequently earned a place in the semis.
In only a matter of minutes, the power of Thanos’ gauntlet would be initiated, effectively halving the number of players from a last-4 to the final two. Let’s see who gets to the finals and who doesn’t.
Ronnie was at it against Joe Perry, aiming to get into another final. O’Sullivan started on the front foot, taking the first frame courtesy of a 58. He then backs that frame win in a tactical second to open a two-frame advantage.
Truth be told, the Rocket was a beneficiary of a large chunk of luck in the second frame after he fluked the yellow while attempting to escape.
Whatever the case, the Rocket had cushioned himself into the game and was ready to sweep Perry off the ground. The Rocket got business done early as he came out tops in the following two frames, adding half-centuries of 54 and 72 to make it 4-0 ahead of the mini-interval.
Ronnie was ready for a whitewash. The Rocket made another 90 to take a 5-0 lead. Could a whitewash be on the cards for him? Perry recovered from his slumber, snatching the sixth frame to prevent the ignominy of a whitewash. However, he was just extending the inevitable. It was Ronnie’s game to win, and he did just that, beating his opponent by a 6-1 scoreline.
Elsewhere, Trump ended Higgins dreams and aspirations of landing the coveted trophy. It wasn’t much of a thriller in truth, but Trump reminded many of his quality, the very first of reasons why he’s become a household snooker name. Juddenaut picked up the one-way pass to the finals courtesy of a 5-3 win over his opponent.
Written by: Roland Arum