O’sullivan test for Maguire

Stephen Maguire is adamant Ronnie O’sullivan is still at the peak of his powers as the Scot prepares to face the Rocket once again.

Maguire beat Joe Perry 6-3 to reach the last four of the Betway UK Championship for the eighth time. A showdown with O’sullivan awaits in the semi-finals at York’s Barbican Centre and Maguire said: “Ronnie is the best. He’s playing better now than he’s ever done, looking back over the years. I think he’s better than he’s ever been. He’ll have the crowd behind him. I actually think it’s harder for him because he’s got the crowd. But he seems to handle it well. It’s easy to get up for. He brings the crowd and he’s an entertainer.”