Ronnie O'Sullivan reveals when Si Jiahui could become China's first world champion – 'Just needs experience'

Ronnie O'Sullivan has joined Shaun Murphy in tipping Si Jiahui to become a future world champion and feels he is on course to achieve his dream within the next four years. Si look destined to reach the final of the 47th Crucible tournament in May after constructing a 14-5 lead over Luca Brecel in the semi-finals, only to witness the Belgian player produce one of the sport's greatest comebacks to win 12 of the next 13 frames in a remarkable 17-15 victory in Sheffield. Ad «It was the closest thing to perfection, the way he played,» said Brecel.

“I said to him at the end ‘you are a superstar’. That is all he needs to hear.” SnookerWhy O'Sullivan and Trump are set to play snooker on Christmas Day18 HOURS AGO The attack-minded Si – who turns 21 next month – also enjoyed wins over 2005 world champion Murphy (10-9), Robert Milkins (13-7) and Anthony McGill (13-12) on his Crucible debut to become the first qualifier to reach the last four since Andy Hicks in 1995 and the youngest since O'Sullivan a year later. It was a case of what might have been for Si who watched Brecel lift the sport's major title with an 18-15 win over Mark Selby two days later, but O'Sullivan believes he has time on his side to end China's long wait for a world champion.

“In another three or four years’ time, he might win the tournament. It’s just experience,” O'Sullivan told reporters during his trip to China to promote the new Macau Masters invitational event which is due to be held over the festive period (December 25-29 at the Wynn Palace Hotel). Players and Tour champion Shaun Murphy made a similar prediction after losing a rousing contest with Si in the first round.