Si Jiahui: How bad-tempered child prodigy became snooker’s serene sensation

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Over the past two weeks Si Jiahui has calmly despatched his opponents one by one – first the 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy, then the 13th seed Robert Milkins, before knocking out Scotland’s Anthony McGill in the quarter-finals – like the world’s most serene assassin. His father was difficult and put extra pressure on him, like most Chinese fathers do.” open image in gallery Si Jiahui pictured with his youth coach Roger Leighton Si was 12 when he arrived at Leighton’s Wiraka Billiard Academy in the city of Foshan. “He was always very determined and gutsy, but he wasn’t as relaxed then as he is now.” A telling moment came aged 14 when Si beat the man long tipped to deliver China’s first world title, Ding Junhui, in a national tournament, coming back from two frames down to win 3-2. “The pockets could be the same size as the balls and he’d still pot them, he’s that accurate.” open image in gallery Si Jiahui waits backstage at the Crucible Theatre open image in gallery Anthony McGill watches on as Si Jiahui takes to the table Si has already guaranteed himself £100,000 prize money for reaching the semi-finals and will turn that number into half a million should he go on and win the final this weekend.