Scotland will play India while Wales tackle China B in the semi-finals as the World Cup enters the final day in Wuxi on Sunday.
There was a suitably global feel to the last eight line-up today with only Scotland and Wales representing the traditional hotbed of the sport, though they weren’t prepared to let history down just yet.
Scotland, represented by John Higgins and Stephen Maguire, had arguably the tougher tie against home favourites and defending champions China A.
But local lad Ding Junhui and his partner Xiao Guodong couldn’t prevent the Scots from progressing to the last four as they aim to grapple back the crown they last won way back in 1996 as part of the so-called “dream team”.
Wales boast a sort of dream team of their own, with a mix of experience and youthful pedigree standing them in good stead and living up to their billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Mark Williams and Michael White dominated their group to the loss of just five frames and continued that run of form against Thailand, running out 4-1 winners as well.
The two British nations will face Asian opposition once again in the semi-final.
China B’s Zhou Yuelong and Yan Bingtao, combining for a remarkable age of just 32, eliminated Australian duo Neil Robertson and Vinnie Calabrese 4-2.
The young Chinese will play face the Welsh while Scotland’s penultimate challenge comes against India, who were always a potential dark horse for this championship.
Aditya Mehta and Pankaj Advani are not just excellent snooker players but good friends with excellent temperaments, well suited to the format and style of competition.
The Indians outpointed Belgium, and will be well matched for the Scots in the short best of seven singles and doubles draw.
Both last four encounters are early tomorrow before the final decides who take home the coveted trophy and the £130,000 winner’s cheque.
There is also the added incentive of places in the lucrative Champion of Champions invitation tournament at the end of year at stake, so there’s a lot to play for.
Hopefully, the 2015 can produce a dramatic conclusion.
Oh dear, that shows the 2nd semifinal, and the final itself, both taking place at the same time. Surely both semifinals are on adjacent tables in the first session?
Yes Pete, that was just a mistake from Snooker.org. Second semi-final is immediately after the first and before the final.