Jak Jones (right) stuns Judd Trump to reach World Championship semi-finals

In a stunning turn of events at the World Snooker Championship, seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump both suffered shocking defeats in the quarter-finals, paving the way for unexpected contenders to rise to the occasion.

O’Sullivan, who was chasing a record eighth world title, fell to a 13-10 loss against Stuart Bingham, while world number two Trump was beaten 13-9 by Jak Jones, playing in only his second ever World Championship.

The defeats of O’Sullivan and Trump, who were both considered favorites to triumph at the Crucible Theatre, set the stage for a thrilling semi-final lineup. David Gilbert advanced with a 13-8 win over Stephen Maguire and will now face fellow Englishman Kyren Wilson, who beat Scotland’s John Higgins 13-8.

Bingham, Gilbert, and Jones’ successes mark the first time since 1977 that three qualifiers have reached the last four of the tournament, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to the competition.

The quarter-final matches were filled with drama and tension, with Jones showcasing his skill and composure to overcome the formidable Trump. Wilson, on the other hand, displayed confidence and control in his victory over Higgins, setting the stage for an intriguing semi-final showdown.

As the tournament progresses, the unexpected outcomes and impressive performances of the underdogs have added an extra layer of excitement to the World Snooker Championship, proving that in the world of sports, anything can happen.