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Ronnie O'Sullivan makes two maximum breaks in Saudi Arabia Masters semi-final

Ronnie O'Sullivan makes two maximum breaks in Saudi Arabia Masters semi-final

The 49-year-old had to wait seven years since his last 147 break at the English Open in 2018, and two hours later he achieved his 17th career maximum and second of the night.
O'Sullivan's first 147 came in the opening frame of the match and with the scores locked at 3-3, the Rocket completed a second to earn a £147,000 bonus for making two maximum breaks across the UK Championship, Masters, World Championship and Saudi Arabia Masters.
Ronnie also slotted breaks of 134 and 142 in a dominant display and will take on Neil Robertson in the final of the competition.
O'Sullivan told TNT Sports: 'I'm sitting there at 3-3 thinking I'm probably going to lose this game after a maxi, a 142 and a 70 clearance.
'He (Wakelin) is a monster. I said he's going to win a ranking event, he's so solid. He's better than solid, solid is a compliment, he's very reliable but he's got more than that. It's like Kyren Wilson. As a player he's very hard to break down. He's a superb competitor, superb player.'
Robertson beat Elliot Slessor 6-3 to reach the final before revealing he had met his pre-season goal of qualifying for the Tour Championship.
Former world champion Robertson was never headed in Jeddah as he made the 39th ranking final of his career.
'This is the biggest tournament we have until the World Championship,' Robertson told TNT Sports.
'With the ranking points available, I don't have to worry about playing in the Invitational or the Tour Championship.
'I set a goal at the start of the season to get into the Tour Championship.
'That was my only goal and I've done that already in the first tournament. It's nice it takes care of the rest of the season.'
Englishman Slessor, 29th in the official world rankings but set to rise several places after picking up the biggest cheque of his career, won the third frame with a 92 break.
Robertson responded with 93 against his regular practice partner and a crucial pink down the rail in the seventh frame put him in control at 5-2.
'We practice a lot with each other and there's usually heavy scoring,' said the Australian.
'We tried to make things happen but the balls ran awkward, and we both missed some tricky pots that led to scrappy frames.
'Knowing him well, if I wasn't playing him I would have wanted him to win the match. It's quite tough but you've got to put that aside.'
Robertson sealed matters with his second 93 break to book his place in Saturday's final.
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