Three centuries in succession put Robertson in total control, but O'Sullivan turned the tide with a run of 93 before pinching a tight seventh frame to get back within one.

O'Sullivan then conjured a pair of centuries of his own as he caught and passed a dizzied Robertson, who was unable to rally as The Rocket set up what for organisers and a sellout crowd is the dream final.

"It was a great occasion, a great crowd and a great venue," he told WST. "The fans were amazing and they were treated to some great snooker from Neil to go 4-1 up,” said 46-year-old O’Sullivan.