Ronnie O’Sullivan believes he will be facing “probably the best player in the world on current form” in today’s Welsh Open final.

The Chigwell star beat Barry Hawkins 6-2 to secure his place in the final and will now take on Ding Junhui, who saw off Joe Perry 6-4 to stay in the hunt for his fifth ranking title of the season – a feat that would equal Stephen Hendry’s record set in the 1990/91 campaign.

Speaking to the official World Snooker website, O’Sullivan said: "Ding is the in-form player. If he wins this he will equal the record for ranking titles in a season. People talk about records but that record is worth having. You are a winner if you do that sort of stuff.

"For me it is a fantastic opportunity to see where I am at against probably the best player in the world on current form. I am just happy and enjoying my snooker.

"I am not getting too down on myself and trying to leave a legacy on the game. I probably would have won a lot more if I had found this sort of form earlier in my career, but it is better late than never."