O'Sullivan into first ranking final for two years

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Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ronnie O'Sullivan's last tournament win came in a non-ranking event - the World Masters of Snooker in March 2024
Ronnie O'Sullivan won a tense deciding frame against China's Wu Yize at the World Open in Yushan to reach a first ranking final in more than two years.
It came the day after he produced the sport's highest-ever professional break of 153 in his 5-0 quarter-final victory over Welshman Ryan Day.
The seven-time world champion was never behind against Wu but struggled to break clear of the world number 11 before finally completing a 6-5 victory.
Wu had the first chance in the decider, opening a decent lead with a break of 43, but 50-year-old O'Sullivan punished a poor safety shot by sinking a long red then held his nerve with a clearance of 89.
The Englishman is into his 66th final in a ranking event - but his first since beating Judd Trump to win the World Grand Prix in January 2024.
World number one Trump faces Thailand's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in Saturday's second semi-final and could once more stand in O'Sullivan's way as he bids for a record-extending 42nd ranking title.
O'Sullivan has signed up to compete in the World Seniors Championship for the first time this year.
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