Snooker's biggest tournament has been thrilled by a fairy story in Chinese youngster Si Jiahui's remarkable World Snooker Championship debut. 

In a stirring first-time effort, Si reached the semi-final of the elite competition, falling just short in his attempt to become its youngest ever finalist.

The 20-year-old is an unfamiliar figure in the intense spotlight of the world-famous Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, UK. So who is the new hero? 

Who is Si Jiahui?

Si is a Chinese professional snooker player born in 2002 in Zhuji in China's eastern province of Zhejiang. He is now based in Sheffield.

How did his snooker journey begin?

Si's first encounter with the green baize was in a billiards club owned by his father in their hometown, Zhuji. He became obsessed with it, watching people play every day after school. By the age of 10, despite not yet being as tall as the cue with which players hit the balls, Si could beat most players in the room.

When did he first come into public spotlight?

In 2013, Si was runner-up in his first competition in Shanghai. Having shown talent, he was taken around the country, including to Guangdong Province, to hone his skills. And in 2016, Si won four consecutive frames against professional Chinese player Ding Junhui after falling behind 0-2 in a snooker tournament in China.

When did he turn professional?

In 2019 Si went to the UK to participate in the Q School Trials; passing the qualifications in the country, he officially began his snooker career.

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How did he do at his first World Championship?

Better than all but the wildest expectations. He beat the 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy, then recorded a comfortable 13-7 win over Robert Milkins before knocking out Scotland's Anthony McGill in the quarter-finals. Si also took the lead in his semi-final against Luca Brecel – but the 28-year-old Belgian came back to beat him 17-15.

What comes next?

Although he didn't quite reach the final, Si has shot up from 80 to 36 in the world rankings. This should make it easier for him to qualify for future tournaments – and the world will now be keen to see how this exciting player continues his rise.

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