How lockdown in Sheffield has seen Yan Bingtao emerge as snooker’s new golden boy

The 20-year-ace prodigy toppled six-time ranking event winner Stephen Maguire 6-5 in a thrilling Masters quarter-final to become the youngest semi-finalist at the tournament since Ding Junhui in 2007.

The world No.11 practices at Sheffield’s Vics Snooker Academy and reckons moving to the Steel City has catalysed his progression on the baize.

Yan, who sealed the victory with a career-best break of 141 in the decider, said: “I love Sheffield.

“It’s definitely the best place for a Chinese player to practice because Ding Junhui also has his academy there.

“We have really good resources and practice partners. We’re in a very difficult time, and everybody’s been locked in Sheffield for six months, which has never happened before. But in general, it’s really good.

“I’m absolutely over the moon and really excited about this result. This is my first Masters ever and I didn’t even expect to go through the first round, so I’m absolutely excited.

“I’ve won both matches on the decider so that’s quite an achievement for me. I also made the highest break of my four-year career so far, so I’m proud and excited about that.”

“I feel proud of myself to level the record with Ding, who is my hero.”

Yan stunned world No.2 Neil Robertson by the same scoreline in the first round and carried on where he left off at the Marshall Arena.

Maguire’s fourth frame break of 102 sent them into the interval level but three half-centuries from the Chinese meant the world No.8 was always playing catch-up.

The Scot made a visit of 137 but when the pair went to a decider, Yan eclipsed his effort with that stunning 141 to book a semi-final date against defending champion Stuart Bingham.

Yan’s 141 had temporarily snatched the £15,000 best-break prize from Maguire but that was swiftly bettered by John Higgins in Friday evening’s quarter-final.

The four-time world champion was engaged in an absorbing clash with record seven-time Masters winner Ronnie O’Sullivan with the pair locked at three frames apiece.

In a game of the highest standard, Higgins made brilliant breaks of 145 – the fourth highest in Masters history – and 110 but the Rocket responded with efforts of 125 and 103 to restore parity.

The winner of the mouth-watering clash will meet world No.13 David Gilbert in Saturday’s semi-finals.

*Watch the London Masters live on Eurosport and Eurosport app from Jan 10

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