Alexander Ursenbacher admits he is looking to set an example to the people of Switzerland after he beat Michael White to move into the final four of the English Open. The Swiss star secured an emphatic 5-0 victory on Friday as he continues his solid run after regaining his place on tour back in March. His European Under-21 title success has given him a new lease of life and he went into the English Open without making it beyond the last 32 before.
However, victories over Stuart Carrington and former world champion Shaun Murphy have given him plenty of momentum ahead of Saturday’s semi-final. He beat Paul Hunter Classic winner Michael White in just one hour and ten minutes to set up a match against England’s Kyren Wilson. The 21-year-old admits he struggled with nerves but he is now looking to lay down a marker and tempt his fellow countrymen to take up snooker.
He told World Snooker: “I was so nervous when I walked in at the beginning of the match. I had a good start and I was surprised at that because of the nerves. I got the first two frames on the board and I felt alright. I just thought I had to keep concentrated and focused and thought it could go my way. “I hope people will notice this. Not only am I the only Swiss professional, but now I have made the run to a semi-final in a world ranking event. If that doesn’t open some eyes I don’t know what will. I hope that it will convince people to want to play snooker in Switzerland.” Ursenbacher is priced at 12/5 to win, with Wilson the 3/10 favourite and he can be backed at odds of 4/1 to win 6-3 on Saturday afternoon.
Dafabet English Open odds available at Dafabet.