It may not be until a week or so post World Championship by the time this releases but I am writing this up almost immediately after semi-finals day (14th August following the final sessions of both semis) while everything is still lingering in my head. I have a feeling that WSC 2020 semi-finals will easily be remembered as one of the best days in snooker history and I’m still trying to collect my thoughts. So what happened?
Wilson vs. McGill
McGill had the advantage with a 16-15 lead over Wilson although, The Warrior (aptly named) edged back to a point where the pair produced one of the best deciding frame thrillers ever seen in snooker (not just Crucible) history! McGill found himself snookered at one point where he conceded 35 points in fouls and looked to be eliminated from this alone. What an awful way to lose the semi-final if that did turn out to be the case.
Nevertheless, the frame went on until an incredulous fluke on the green by Wilson left McGill requiring snookers. In such a dramatic atmosphere, the last thing a player wants is to win in this way, and Wilson clearly shared this notion. Ultimately, the final frame came down to pink and black in which Wilson potted the pink he required to reach the final, with a final score of 103-83. Yes, THAT was the score-line.
The pair embraced in a handshake at the close of the match (if you’re reading at a future date, this occurred during peak virus times), which was wonderful to watch as a spectator. It was already being coined by commentators and pundits as one of the greatest final frames they’ve ever seen and it shows that you don’t need to have big names to produce long-lasting moments. If only the day ended with that…
O’Sullivan vs. Selby
I don’t even know where to begin with this one. With the exception of the first session, Selby led O’Sullivan the whole match, and this included the final session up to the, you guessed it, deciding frame. Selby garnered a 16-14 lead on his ‘unpredictable’ opponent and the only reason he even got to 16 was due to O’Sullivan basically throwing the frames at him. I’m talking ‘hit and hope’ snooker escapes and more than ambitious potting efforts.
But what transpired from 16-14 was magical. Truly. O’Sullivan was clearly resigned to losing the match as he was outplayed for the most part, particularly in the second session, however was able to keep at the heels of Selby despite being 13-9 down at one point. But whether it was desperation (his words) that led to the inspiring performance that followed or otherwise, we saw a little of peak O’Sullivan shine through.
O’Sullivan cleared the next two frames; the first with a 7 minute or so 138, followed by a 71 to set-up a decider with a shell-shocked Selby. Completely bemused, Selby, who had the final in his hands, was now teetering on the edge. And O’Sullivan was in first with an excellent series of opening pots which led to a 64 break. Unfortunately, he couldn’t finish in the one clearance which led to a near comeback from his opponent. And from there was one incredible bout of safety and snooker escapes which culminated to the brilliant final red that O’Sullivan potted to secure his first world final for six years.
While his style was erratic, it clearly stumped Selby. And it took ‘going out on the attack’ to a whole new meaning. However, what some may overlook is that O’Sullivan’s potting, especially from range, saw a significant improvement in the final session. The long opening pots he took on in the last few frames were literal match-losers if he missed. But he didn’t.
Stephen Hendry was a busy man this day as he commentated on both endeavours and everyone was just in shock and awe with what they had just witnessed in the day’s events. I honestly wish I could describe it better and my words are probably all over the place writing this. All I can do is implore you to watch the deciding frame of the Wilson/McGill match and the final four frames or so of the O’Sullivan/Selby contest.
I can comfortably say without regret that World Snooker Championship 2020 semi-final day was one of the best in snooker (not just Crucible) history. I will recall this day for years to come as an Instant Classic, a Throwback, a Shorts Thoughts and just everything all in one. I’m still trying to process it.
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