Ronnie O'Sullivan vows to continue playing despite semi-final loss

Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan is determined to avoid ending his career on a string of disappointing performances, vowing to continue playing for at least another 18 months. The seven-time world champion's resolve comes after his 6-3 semi-final defeat to rising Chinese star Chang Bingyu at the Wuhan Open.

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I will see out the next 18 months and see how we go. I don't want to throw the towel in just yet. I've committed to playing until then.

O'Sullivan, who has not won a ranking event in over two years, admitted his frustration with his current form. "I'd hate to finish my career on performances like that," he stated. Despite losing the opening two frames against Chang, O'Sullivan managed to level the score at 2-2 before the mid-session interval. However, Chang took control upon resumption, winning two frames to lead 4-2 and ultimately securing the match.

Chang Bingyu, 24, celebrated his maiden victory over O'Sullivan, calling it a "pleasure" to play against him. He acknowledged that O'Sullivan "probably wasn't in the best form today" and that he capitalized on the opportunities presented. Chang will now face the new world number one, Zhao Xintong, in the final.

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I'd hate to finish my career on performances like that.

Zhao Xintong also secured his spot in the final by defeating Xiao Guodong 6-2. After a closely contested start, Zhao pulled away in the latter frames, highlighted by a superb break of 124 to seal his victory. The final promises to be a compelling match between two of the sport's top talents.

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Every time I play against Ronnie, it's a pleasure. He probably wasn't in the best form today, and I managed to take some of the opportunities that came my way.