Victory for O'Sullivan in thriller

Ronnie O’Sullivan reached the final of the Pokerstars.com Masters today by defeating Mark Williams at Wembley.

O’Sullivan won an exciting contest 6-5 to make sure of a final appearance against Scotland’s Stephen Maguire or England’s Mark Selby.

Williams was quick out of the blocks, establishing a two-frame lead as O’Sullivan struggled for confidence.

However, the crowd favourite opened his account with a break of 86 after Williams had missed a red while attempting a cut, potting the black in the process.

O’Sullivan was into his stride and levelled the match with a break of 99, which would have been a century had he not missed a straight yellow as an over-enthusiastic fan called out.

’The Rocket’ took the lead by winning the fifth frame 63-10 but Williams responded with an impressive 132 to level the scores.

O’Sullivan edged 4-3 ahead but the left-hander from Cwm tied the scores and moved to within a frame of victory with a break of 96.

However, a cool contribution of 67 enabled O’Sullivan to level the score and take the contest to a deciding frame.

O’Sullivan twice looked to have handed the initiative to his opponent, firstly when he inadvertently fouled by potting two reds after sinking the blue, then when he left the Welshman a three-quarter length red.

However, Williams wasted the second opening and O’Sullivan held his nerve to establish a 25-point lead with only blue, pink and black remaining – pumping his fist in delight as he neared the finishing line.

Williams did not concede but soon after the contest was over, leaving O’Sullivan delighted.

He told BBC1: “I don’t know how I won that. The way it started I expected to lose quite comfortably today.

“I know his ability. Mark’s a competitor and it’s good to see him playing well again.

“The things I had to go through, I was willing the balls in and I didn’t know what I was doing from one shot to the next. I was wanting to make a game of it.”

On his struggle to maintain top form, O’Sullivan continued: “Every now and again I play a few decent shots but the rest of the time it’s grit and determination.

“I’m trying to find a bit of inspiration again. I’ve always been like that - but every ball I feel like I’m going to miss it.”

On Barry Hearn’s observation he should adopt a more cheerful approach, O’Sullivan added: “The reason I don’t like smiling is because I’m not confident.

“I don’t expect to play well these days. I’m petrified going out there to play every time. It’s going to be really hard for me in the final.”