McGill loses out after classic Crucible tussle as Wilson reaches final
with McGill getting the first chance before Wilson battled his way back, both players playing some great snooker in an empty arena.
The Englishman looked to be in the ascendancy when McGill conceded 47 points in fouls on the final red, needing snookers just to stay in the contest.
From nowhere his chance was back, Wilson potting the cue ball as the frame ticked beyond the hour mark with a place in the final on the line.
Neither player had been there before and it came down to the luck of the balls for individual glory to be achieved, with Wilson’s fluked green putting him a long way towards the winning line.
Still there was work to do but he held his nerve to end McGill’s valiant run at the semi-final stage. But that could take nothing away from an extraordinary run for the Glaswegian, who came through two qualifying rounds just to reach the Crucible Theatre.
From there he reeled off not one, but two, deciding-frame victories and a comeback – but his 100th frame of the tournament proved to be his last after coming from behind once more.
“Anthony McGill has showed not just what a great player he is, but has also shown what a great temperament he has,” said Jimmy White, six-time finalist in the competition.”
The victorious Wilson added: “I’m gutted it’s ended the way it has. It’s not nice to send someone home at such a big stage on a fluke.
“We’re two young lads that have grown up together, played in the amateurs since we were 11. It was great that Anthony and I were able to play together in that semi-final and I think it was one of the best semi-finals you’ll see.”