• World Snooker Championship

O'Sullivan books Carter final at Crucible

ESPN staff
May 5, 2012
Ronnie O'Sullivan is in the final for the first time since 2008 © Getty Images
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Ronnie O'Sullivan overcame Matthew Stevens 17-10 on Saturday to book his place in the final of the World Snooker Championship.

O'Sullivan emerged for the evening session knowing he needed just two frames to earn a place in the final, and he crossed them off in no time.

Stevens, resuming 15-9 behind, took the 25th frame - but O'Sullivan crushed the fightback immediately with a brilliant run of 130, before also pocketing the next to bring the contest to a close. O'Sullivan has therefore reached his first world final since 2008.

Standing between O'Sullivan and a fourth world title is Ali Carter, the man he denied four years ago. Carter booked his place in the final with a 17-12 win over Stephen Maguire.

"It's one of those tournaments, with so many sessions to play that you can't just pot the balls off the lampshade. I've tried to come here and play expressive snooker and be aggressive to show the fans that I can be good in spells," O'Sullivan told BBC Sport.

"I've learnt to control my emotions and not letting it all out. It's not always the most comfortable place to be and it's about limiting the damage to yourself. Ali has to be top a four or five player, he has rocketed up the rankings since his 147 here. He has learnt so much from the last final and has become such a good, all-round player."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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