Ronnie O’Sullivan admits the quality of the 24-man field at the elite Shanghai Masters is behind his remarkable run of success in the Chinese city.
“Every match is a tough one in this tournament,” said the Essex player. “You have the 16 best players in the world. We all play to a very high standard, each game is like a final.”
“I don’t think either of us played anywhere near our best, but I just tried my hardest and I’m happy to get the win,” O’Sullivan – champion in 2009, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023 – told reporters.
O’Sullivan will meet world No. 2 Judd Trump in a best-of-19 frame semi-final on Saturday with both men chasing the £210,000 first prize on Sunday.
Former world champions Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy contest the first semi-final on Friday.
O’Sullivan wows crowd with double on final red in 131 break versus Ding
World No. 5 O’Sullivan has remarkably won 20 straight matches in Shanghai, last losing 5-2 at the tournament to Michael Holt in 2016 when it was a ranking event.
“I’m pleased to still be in, and looking forward to have a chance of winning this fantastic event again,” he said.
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