O'Sullivan, who has not won a ranking event for over two years, added: "I will see out the next 18 months and see how we go. I don't want to throw the towel in just yet. I've committed to playing until then.

"I want to give myself a chance. I'd hate to finish my career on performances like that."

O'Sullivan lost the opening two frames against Chang but pulled himself back into the match to head into the mid-session break level at 2-2.

When play resumed, China's Chang took control, winning two frames in a row to lead 4-2.

O'Sullivan pulled one back but breaks of 69 and 48 in the following frames booked Chang a place in Saturday's final - and his very first win against 'The Rocket'.

"Every time I play against Ronnie, it's a pleasure," said 24-year-old Chang.

"He probably wasn't in the best form today, and I managed to take some of the opportunities that came my way."

Chang will face either Xiao Guodong or new world number one Zhao Xintong in the final.