Dominic Dale looks to remain on course for the World Seniors Snooker Championship title when he faces Aaron Canavan in the semi-finals at The Crucible on Saturday. The Spaceman, who recently retired from the professional tour, is the favourite to get his hands on the trophy in Sheffield this weekend. Dale has certainly underlined that tag with two impressive performances against Craig Steadman and Joe Perry.
The two-time ranking event winner hit a top break of 107 to complete his 4-2 victory over European Seniors champion Steadman. He then had contributions of 97, 99, and 128 as he breezed to a 4-1 success against Perry – before which he entered the arena donning an overcoat and trilby, apparently in tribute to the late Alex Higgins.
Standing in his way of a place in the final is the only former champion still standing, World Seniors number one Canavan. The 2018 winner opened with runs of 89, 72, and 51 on the way to a 4-1 victory over Andrew Norman, before battling past fellow Crucible debutant Wayne Townsend 4-2 in the quarter-finals.
The other semi-final showdown pits 2023 runner-up Alfie Burden against Sheffield first-timer Hassan Kerde. Burden remains on course to go one better from two years ago, following a pair of contrasting victories on his return to The Crucible. The Londoner hit a top break of 92 in a 4-1 win over four-time champion Jimmy White, but appeared set to exit the tournament at 3-0 down against Tony Drago in the quarter-finals.
Burden had lost two of those frames on a re-spotted black, but dusted himself down to recover and force a decider, in which he prevailed on the final pink. Kerde, meanwhile, has taken no time to settle at The Crucible. The Asia-Pacific Seniors champion had runs of 53, 62, 66, and 59 in a 4-0 whitewash of former world number two Tony Knowles. He then recovered from 2-1 down against Charl Jonck, who ousted Ken Doherty in the opening round, reeling off the last three frames and completing victory with an 85.
Play breaks off at 12:15 PM BST on Saturday with both matches contested over the best of 11 frames at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
In the earlier rounds of the World Seniors Championship, legends of snooker have been in action at the Crucible with the tournament back for 2025. A new champion will be crowned after 2024 winner Igor Figueiredo went crashing out in the first round. Much-loved snooker heroes Jimmy White and Ken Doherty were also eliminated in their respective openers. Tony Drago has also been embarrassingly dumped out of the competition after leading by three clear frames.
Jimmy White, who was defeated by Alfie Burden, expressed his hopes for his conqueror to go on and win the title. The 63-year-old said, “I wasn’t in the game. I just struggled all day, which is disappointing because I’m playing well. But that’s snooker, I’m afraid.” He added, “Alfie played well. I hope he goes and wins it.”
Burden, reflecting on his win over White, said, “It’s an honour to play Jimmy at the Crucible. He’s a dear friend of mine and I don’t enjoy beating him but I tried hard to win today.”
As the tournament progresses, the excitement builds around the Crucible Theatre. The semi-final matchups promise thrilling encounters, especially with players like Dale and Canavan, both of whom have shown exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of these matches, as the competition heats up. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is electric as the players vie for the prestigious title.
The World Seniors Snooker Championship is a showcase of talent and nostalgia, bringing together some of the sport's most beloved figures. With each match, the drama unfolds, and the anticipation for crowning a new champion grows stronger.
As the clock ticks down to the semi-finals, snooker enthusiasts can expect nothing short of brilliance from the players involved. With the legacy of legends hanging in the balance, the Crucible is set to witness yet another chapter in the storied history of snooker.
