Great White hope ended

Jimmy White's bid for a first Masters title in 20 years ended in disappointment in a 6-4 semi-final defeat to Ronnie O'Sullivan at Wembley.

White kept in touch to share the opening eight frames but scored only 29 points in the closing two frames.

O'Sullivan, Wembley champion in 1995, now faces Paul Hunter, who earlier beat John Higgins 6-3, over 19 frames in the final.

"I just felt so tired the whole match," said 41-year-old White. "I was just trying to stick in there.

"I looked at the scoreboard when I was 3-3 and just tried to find a bit of form.

"I couldn't believe I was still in firing distance because I was just knackered.

"I certainly didn't play anywhere near like I have been doing. I was so pumped up after the (Stephen) Hendry game that I couldn't sleep.

"But don't take anything away from Ron. He is such a prolific scorer."

Indeed the Rocket is now in pole position for a £10,000 (€14,400) high break prize after making a brilliant 138 clearance in the second frame.

That eclipsed the 118 of Chinese youngster Ding Junhui made at the start of the tournament.

O'Sullivan was also on his way to a possible maximum in the sixth frame but broke down on 72.

"I was just enjoying being out there and battling," said the world number three from Chigwell. "I just wanted to test myself with whatever situation was thrown up against me.

"I knew if I missed the crowd would erupt and go mental. So, I was trying not to make any mistakes to allow the crowd to give enthusiasm to Jimmy and pick him up.

"I was having a psychological battle with myself and I am pleased I managed to deal with it in a positive way.

"I have not been anywhere near my best this week but I've been enjoying the struggle," added O'Sullivan, trying to win his second successive title after his recent 9-8 success over Steve Davis at the Welsh Open.