A blockbuster snooker encounter between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson will take place in the Tour Championship on Friday.
The first semi-final at the Venue Cymru in Wales couldn’t be a more appetising affair, with two of the games heavyweights battling once again.
Much is made of the various rivalries in the sport, with O’Sullivan and Selby, O’Sullivan and Trump, or Trump and Robertson often spoken about.
But in actual fact, the O’Sullivan-Robertson fixture has also become such a familiar one in the last number of years too.
The pair has already crossed paths on three occasions this season, with the Rocket fighting back from behind to land a 38th ranking title at the World Grand Prix in December.
Soon after, Robertson gained revenge in both the Masters and the Players Championship en route to triumphs in both events.
This encounter also represents a repeat of last year’s Tour Championship final, when Robertson produced a magnificent blitz and five century breaks to win 10-4.
Both players compiled the same number of tons in their opening ties in Wales this year, suggesting that this clash could be another mouthwatering one to savour.
Overall, O’Sullivan leads the head-to-head 19-12 (and 1 draw) from all competitions, but the Australian has had the upper hand in four out of their last five matches.
It’s a special showdown that pits the incoming world number one in O’Sullivan against undoubtedly the best player from the 2021/22 campaign in Robertson.
In addition to the Masters and the Players Championship, Robertson also claimed the English Open crown near the beginning of this term.
A few years ago O’Sullivan enjoyed dominance in this fixture, but the tide has changed and the Melbourne man will probably start as the favourite to win.
With the matches lasting 19 frames much can change, but the initial exchanges may still be critical in determining the final outcome.
Either way, it promises to be another fascinating affair that is totally befitting of a tournament of this stature.
The winner will advance to the final to face either John Higgins or Luca Brecel, and an opportunity to land the £150,000 top prize.
Live coverage in the UK is on ITV4, with other options available around the world that you can find by clicking here.
Tour Championship Snooker Draw
John Higgins (8) vs Luca Brecel (5)
Saturday, 1pm and 7:30pm GMT
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Ronnie O’Sullivan (3) vs Neil Robertson (2)
Friday, 1pm and 7:30pm GMT
Featured photo credit: WST
I thought earlier in the week that this semi-final was scheduled to be played on the Saturday.