Si Jiahui of China prepares a shot Thursday against Luca Brecel of Belgium in the semifinals of the Cazoo World Snooker Championship 2023 in Sheffield, the U.K. The 20-year-old Si led Brecel 5-3 at the end of the first session of the match. Photo: George Wood/VCG

Si gauges the distance of a shot Wednesday during his quarterfinal match against Anthony McGill of Scotland. Photo: VCG

McGill prepares a shot. The Scottish snooker player ranked No. 12 in March 2022, a career high. He is now ranked No. 21. Photo: VCG

McGill and Si react during their quarterfinals match. Photo: VCG

McGill congratulates Si at the end of their match. Si’s 13-12 victory made him the first player to reach the semifinals in a debut run at the tournament since Andy Hicks did it in 1995. Photo: VCG

Robert Milkins of England prepares a break Monday in the opening frame of his second round match against Si in the tournament. Si beat Milkins 13-7, allowing him to move on to the quarterfinals. Photo: George Wood/VCG

Si lines up a shot during his opening match against Shaun Murphy of England on April 20. Photo: VCG

Si prepares a break in his opening round match, in which he defeated Murphy 10-9. Photo: VCG

Sitting next to Murphy, Si wipes his cue during their opening round match. Photo: VCG