Joe O'Connor sets up Ali Carter semi-final after win over Luca Brecel at 2023 Players Championship

Joe O’Connor reached the last four of the Players Championship after a thrilling 6-5 win over Luca Brecel. It was a see-saw affair that thrilled the crowd in Wolverhampton, with both having chances in a dramatic final frame that went O'Connor's way as his superb season continued. Ad Brecel took the first frame, before O’Connor hit back with a 59 to level the scores.

Players ChampionshipO’Connor stuns Allen to reach Players Championship quarter-finals20/02/2023 AT 22:59 As he did during his impressive win over Jack Lisowski, Brecel took advantage of a loose safety error from O’Connor to make a 67 clearance up to the black. The fourth frame dragged on as O’Connor kept things tight and laid multiple snookers on Brecel. However, two fouls from Brecel left him needing snookers at 29-67 down.

Brecel played for snookers until O’Connor finally put the frame away after half an hour. Brecel then moved clear with a break of 88, before O’Connor came back with an 85 to level. The pair continued to trade frames and with the game at 5-4 in the Belgian’s favour, O’Connor had it all to do to remain in the competition.