WORLD IS SI'S OYSTER

Pearl City potter has come of age

- HECTOR NUNNS

SI JIAHUI comes from the 'Pearl City' of Zhuji in China - and snooker's latest gem got off to a fine start in his bid to become the youngest world champion.

The 20-year-old took a 5-3 lead over Belgium's Luca Brecel in the first session of four in their World Championship semi-final at the Crucible in Sheffield.

Si, the youngest semi-finalist since Ronnie O'Sullivan in 1996, is also, at world No.80, the lowest-ranked to player ever reach the last four, although Terry Griffiths was unranked when he won in 1979.

It has been a spectacular spell from the youngster, who has won over the crowd with his nerveless and approach attacking style.