Ronnie O’Sullivan (11/8 favourite Welsh Open – Outright) passed up a golden opportunity to reach 10 career maximum breaks on his way to securing a place in the semi-finals of the totesport.com Welsh Open.

The world number one is locked on nine 147 total clearances in professional tournaments with Stephen Hendry and twice, in his 5-2 win against Mark Allen in the last eight, missed chances to clear.

His first miss came in the fourth frame when he potted 11 reds and 11 blacks and then, in the next, the 34-year-old cleared 15 reds and 15 blacks, but having potted the yellow he missed the green.

O’Sullivan later said: “I wasn’t quite straight on it and had to pinch a bit of the pocket.”

O’Sullivan needed just 55 minutes to beat Jamie Cope on Thursday and this time prevailed after 68 minutes when Allen waved a handkerchief on the end of his cue in reaction to breaks of 92, 88, 90 and 50 on top of a century from the three-time world champion.

O’Sullivan, who will now play world champion John Higgins (O’Sullivan 4/7 Higgins 5/4 – match betting), added: “I was pleased with my performance, it was a professional display. Mark is a top player and he will win lots of matches so I’m pleased to get through.”

Don’t miss your chance to check out semi-finals match betting opportunities from the totesport.com Welsh Open.