Ronnie O’Sullivan, snooker’s youngest-ever ranking winner since claiming the UK Championship title in 1993, is on course for another Triple Crown triumph. The Rocket secured a 6-2 victory against Hossein Vafaei in the semi-final in York, setting the stage for his ninth UK Championship final appearance.

Meeting Vafaei for the first time since their highly-anticipated World Championship clash earlier this year, O’Sullivan displayed a commanding performance. The victory propels him into the final against Ding Junhui, who defeated Judd Trump 6-4 in the other semi-final.

O’Sullivan, a seven-time UK Championship winner, is aiming for his 40th ranking title on Sunday. While he hasn’t secured a ranking tournament victory since the 2022 World Championship, O’Sullivan remains a formidable contender.

Reflecting on his approach to the game, O’Sullivan expressed a desire to do justice to his capabilities in matches, emphasizing the challenge of overcoming stage fright and fear. Despite occasional setbacks, he remains focused on delivering a strong performance in the sport he has dedicated his career to.

The final promises an exciting clash between O’Sullivan and Ding, two accomplished players with a rich history in snooker’s prestigious events. As O’Sullivan seeks to add another title to his illustrious career, fans eagerly anticipate the culmination of the UK Championship in this epic showdown.