Snooker star claims ‘it’s the worst match I’ve ever played’ after World Championship win | Other | Sport

Si Jiahui issued a brutal review of his own performance after securing a narrow victory over Ben Woollaston to reach the World Snooker Championship quarter-finals. The 22-year-old battled through via a 13-10 scoreline to book his place in the last eight. He is likely to face Ronnie O’Sullivan, who is one frame away from beating Pang Junxu, in his next match.

It was a laborious affair, with many frames lasting longer than 30 minutes as both players struggled to hit their stride. There were plenty of nerves throughout the contest and Si was quick to lament his own display in his post-match interview, describing it as the worst he has ever played at the Crucible.

Speaking to BBC Sport via a translator, Si said: “I think I had some problems aiming the cue ball, so I wasn’t feeling confident on long pots. It put me under some pressure but I’m really happy I won this game.

“I think it’s the worst match I have played at the Crucible ever. I think my opponent was not performing at his best.”

Asked if he felt he had improved his game since reaching the semi-finals three years ago, Si replied: “I think back then I was a more accurate player. I was playing with a lot better mindset in 2023.

“It was very pure and I was not overthinking. I think I need to learn from my past to be pure, to not overthink and just play the match.”

Si will be hoping to step it up another level when he battles for place in the semi-finals. In the event O’Sullivan comes through his own game on Monday evening, he will be looking to underline his title credentials against the Chinese youngster.

Woollaston, meanwhile, was left to rue missed opportunities but is hoping to take plenty from his Crucible experience when it comes to improving as a player.

“The first session and a half I didn’t really turn up, to be honest,” said the Englishman. “I had so many chances. I played better today but Si did really well the last three frames.

“I could have played better in both matches but this experience will be good for me going forward next season and the coming seasons.

“I’ve never experienced session after session, these long days. It’s disappointing at the moment but it’s been a good couple of weeks for me.”