2020 finalist, Kyren Wilson and the tournament’s century leader, David Gilbert battled it out in the semi-finals of the 2024 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, captivating audiences with their remarkable skill and nerve-wracking exchanges.

From the outset, it was evident that this encounter would be fiercely contested. The first session saw both players demonstrating their attacking prowess, each vying for control with every shot. The tension was palpable as they traded frames, ending the session tied at 4-4, with Gilbert’s impressive century break of 104 in the fourth frame standing out as a highlight.

The second session mirrored the intensity of the first, with neither player able to gain a decisive advantage. Gilbert, known for his proficiency in century breaks, notched two more impressive centuries at 129 and 106, further showcasing his form at the Crucible. However, Wilson matched him frame for frame, and the session concluded with the score deadlocked at 8-8.

It was during the Friday evening session that Wilson began to assert his dominance. After levelling the score at 9-9, he proceeded to reel off five consecutive frames, including breaks of 51, 88, and 93, to surge ahead to a commanding 14-9 lead, just three frames away from securing a spot in the final. Gilbert, however, refused to concede, closing out the session with a century break of 101 to keep his hopes alive at 14-10.

Image credit: WST

As the fourth and final session commenced, Wilson seized the initiative following a missed opportunity by Gilbert, capitalising on a crucial break of 70 to narrow the deficit to 14-11.

The ensuing frame, lasting over 42 minutes, tested the resilience of both players, but it was Wilson who maintained his composure, clearing the colours to secure his 15th frame and inch closer to the final.

With tensions running high, Wilson displayed nerves of steel in the 27th frame, crafting a break of 54 to move within touching distance of victory.