Mark Selby showed more evidence that he has discovered his A game once again after he cruised his way into the China Open semi-finals.

Mark Selby. Picture by Monique Limbos

The three-times world champion has had a rather disappointing season – winning just one major ranking event in what has been a struggling campaign for the reigning Crucible champion.

But a strong run in Beijing this week means Selby is now just two more wins away from winning the China Open in what would be perfect preparation for his World Championship defence starting in a few weeks time.

The world number one made breaks of 136 and 143 as he comfortably beat one of the season’s top performers in Mark Williams.

A 6-2 win means he is now faces Kyren Wilson for a place in Sunday’s grand final which will see the winner net a huge £225,000.

Former Shanghai Masters winner Wilson came back from 4-0 behind to beat Jack Lisowki 6-5 in a thrilling quarter-final encounter.

The bottom half of the draw sees an in-form Neil Robertson who recorded a very impressive 6-0 win over Stuart Bingham,  The Australian made breaks of 92, 143, 80, 73, 62 and 86.

Robertson, who won the China Open five years ago, will meet Barry Hawkins who after a torrid run in 2017 is finding form back on the table after he beat Tom Ford 6-5.

Both semi-finals will be played in two sessions with the best-of-19. For the first time ever the China Open final will be a best-of-21 frames contest.

China Open – Semi-Finals

Mark Selby vs Kyren Wilson

Neil Robertson vs Barry Hawkins