Rocket powers on
Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan is safely through to the semi-finals of this year’s Grand Prix in Preston after a trouble-free victory over Norwich potter Barry Pinches.
The Rocket wasted little time in blowing away Pinches 5-2 in their quarter-final showdown this afternoon – and is now only two victories away from a successful defence of his crown at the Guild Hall.
“You can’t pot balls all the time, but I’m still not winning at one visit,” said O’Sullivan, frustrated that his flowing game has yet to totally emerge.
“Luckily I’ve got another game when I need it. I’ve felt in control every match I’ve played and I’ve not had that much to do.”
O’Sullivan also announced his intention to not only try to win this tournament, but also to win the rest of the ranking events this season.
“There’s not that many ranking tournaments, so I should be able to win them,” he added.
“It’s going to be difficult, but I can do it.
“I’d like to win the Worlds – and them all really. I’d like to take them all.”
Meanwhile, on the other side of the arena, Londoner Barry Hawkins romped to a 5-1 victory over Nottingham’s Michael Holt to reach only his second ranking event semi-final.
He reached his first earlier this year – when he lost 6-4 to O’Sullivan at the Welsh Open in Newport – and he is looking forward to another last four clash with the Rocket.
“I’ve just got to concentrate on my own game, keep it tight, and score heavy once I’m in the balls,” said Hawkins. “It should be a great match.”
Both O’Sullivan and Hawkins performed well this afternoon, with the Rocket pocketing breaks of 53, 63, 83 and 69 en route to his way into the next round.
Pinches had two notable runs, an 89 break in the fourth frame and a 55 break in the sixth, but O’Sullivan secured victory with 69 and 44 breaks in the deciding frame.
Hawkins was also in fine form. Despite Holt starting the better, he soon faltered and Hawkins took that as his cue to forge 4-0 ahead.
Breaks of 57, 60, 82 and 94 gave Hawkins his lead, before world number 24 Holt eventually hit back with runs of 50 and 38 to win the fifth frame.
But that was as good as it got. A scrappy sixth and deciding frame went the way of Hawkins after he recovered from some early fouls to knock in a 53 break.
“I can’t believe it really, I’m chuffed to have got through to the semi-finals,” said Hawkins.
“Hopefully I can just go out there and enjoy it tomorrow. It was about self-belief – and I’ve struggled for self-belief in the past.
“Luckily a few friends have helped me with confidence, and it’s worked.”
Hawkins added: “I know what to expect tomorrow. I’m just going to go out there and enjoy it.
“You know the television cameras are going to be on you, so you feel you need to perform.
“It does feel a lot more grand when you are out in the arena and down to the one-table format.”
