CWY Snooker House

Detail Reports

FIRST ROUNDS

Jimmy White (Eng) 6-3 Macro Fu (HK)

Scores: 26-68 (64), 4-143 (64, 79), 117-16 (117), 1-66, 68-0, 115-0 (79), 86-26, 57-48, 66-37
In his 19th consecutive appearance here, Jimmy White gave his army of fans just what they wanted with a 6-3 win over Masters debutant Macro Fu.
In front of the audience of 1,469, the 37-year-old's pulling power is as strong as ever and the crowd went crazy as he walked into the arena.
It may have been 16 years since Jimmy White won the Benson and Hedges Masters but he showed some of his old fighting qualities today.
White was once 0-2 down but made a classic break of 117 to pull one back. While again 1-3 down, the Whirlwind then won five frames on the trot to grap the awesome victory.
White will now face John Higgins, the holder and world No.1 for a place in the second round, and said, "I'm very focused, I'm enjoying my snooker and I'm up for John Higgins.
"I'm not frightened of anybody. You know if you make mistakes against the top players you'll get your bottom smacked so I'll have to be on top of my form if I'm to beat him."
White is in confident mood and continued, "I don't see why I can't start winning tournaments again. I was disappointed to lose that semi-final against Stephen Lee the other day but at the same time the results that got me there have helped improve my confidence no end."

Steve Davis (Eng) 5-6 Alister Carter (Eng)

Scores: 65-9, 74-24 (53), 77-0 (77), 0-93 (93), 56-29, 38-70, 40-71 (57), 2-82, 37-64, 81-0 (81), 7-74
Steve Davis, making his 20th successive appearance in the event, was not having any pleasant anniversary and eadged out by 20-year-old young man Allister Carter.
Carter, as a wild card by winning the Benson & Hedge Championships at Malvern in November, made his debut here but kept his calm to win a memorable victory over another legend. He has defeated Stephen Hendry in last October's Grand Prix.
In the early stage of this match, Davis was in command as he went 3-0 and 4-1 ahead. But suddenly the world no.142, took the advantage of some elementary errors from three times Masters champion Davis to book his next meeting with last year's runner-up Ken Doherty.
The giant-killer said: "Even when I was 4-1 down I still fancied winning it if he gave me a chance.
"To beat Steve here at Wembley is a tremendous victory for me, it's a dream come true to win at Wembley."
In the other side, it was a bitter pill to swallow for the six times world champion. He was inevitably asked if he had considered packing the game in.
"No, it never crosses my mind. When I stop enjoying the game that's when I'll think about it."
"This was another bad performance in a season of bad performances. Whatever I say now has no bearing on what I say tomorrow. I'll just look forward to the next tournament and hope to play better."
A similar situation happened when Davis led 4-0 in his previous match against Ryan Day in the Regal Welsh Open two weeks ago, only to lose 5-4, suggests anything could have happened.

Jimmy White (Eng)	6-3	Macro Fu (HK)
Scores: 26-68 (64), 4-143 (64, 79), 117-16 (117), 1-66, 68-0, 115-0 (79), 86-26, 57-48, 66-37 In his 19th consecutive appearance here, Jimmy White gave his army of fans just what they wanted with a 6-3 win over Masters debutant Macro Fu. In front of the audience of 1,469, the 37-year-old's pulling power is as strong as ever and the crowd went crazy as he walked into the arena. It may have been 16 years since Jimmy White won the Benson and Hedges Masters but he showed some of his old fighting qualities today. White was once 0-2 down but made a classic break of 117 to pull one back. While again 1-3 down, the Whirlwind then won five frames on the trot to grap the awesome victory. White will now face John Higgins, the holder and world No.1 for a place in the second round, and said, "I'm very focused, I'm enjoying my snooker and I'm up for John Higgins. "I'm not frightened of anybody. You know if you make mistakes against the top players you'll get your bottom smacked so I'll have to be on top of my form if I'm to beat him." White is in confident mood and continued, "I don't see why I can't start winning tournaments again. I was disappointed to lose that semi-final against Stephen Lee the other day but at the same time the results that got me there have helped improve my confidence no end."

Steve Davis (Eng)	5-6	Alister Carter (Eng)
Scores: 65-9, 74-24 (53), 77-0 (77), 0-93 (93), 56-29, 38-70, 40-71 (57), 2-82, 37-64, 81-0 (81), 7-74 Steve Davis, making his 20th successive appearance in the event, was not having any pleasant anniversary and eadged out by 20-year-old young man Allister Carter. Carter, as a wild card by winning the Benson & Hedge Championships at Malvern in November, made his debut here but kept his calm to win a memorable victory over another legend. He has defeated Stephen Hendry in last October's Grand Prix. In the early stage of this match, Davis was in command as he went 3-0 and 4-1 ahead. But suddenly the world no.142, took the advantage of some elementary errors from three times Masters champion Davis to book his next meeting with last year's runner-up Ken Doherty. The giant-killer said: "Even when I was 4-1 down I still fancied winning it if he gave me a chance. "To beat Steve here at Wembley is a tremendous victory for me, it's a dream come true to win at Wembley." In the other side, it was a bitter pill to swallow for the six times world champion. He was inevitably asked if he had considered packing the game in. "No, it never crosses my mind. When I stop enjoying the game that's when I'll think about it." "This was another bad performance in a season of bad performances. Whatever I say now has no bearing on what I say tomorrow. I'll just look forward to the next tournament and hope to play better." A similar situation happened when Davis led 4-0 in his previous match against Ryan Day in the Regal Welsh Open two weeks ago, only to lose 5-4, suggests anything could have happened.

SECOND ROUNDS

John Higgins (Sco) 4-6 Jimmy White (Eng)

Scores: 69-52 (52 White), 69-44, 38-86, 13-94 (57), 73-41, 40-69, 50-79, 75-2 (55), 34-85 (55), 8-117 (70)
World no.1 John Higgins, who picked up the Regal Welsh title only 10 days earlier, was knocked out by Jimmy White after a dour struggle in round two.
Both players made a catalogue of errors but White compiled breaks of 55 and 70 in the closing two frames to set up a last eight clash with Matthew Stevens.
White said: "I certainly won't be watching the highlights on TV. I had missed so many chances that it started to get to me after the interval, but then I had some luck and that doesn't happen to me very often.
"To struggle and still beat John has to be a big boost for me. I didn't play well at all and it was very scrappy. I'm disappointed with the way I played but I'm delighted to win because it means I can go again.
"My tip was worn out in the match and I'm going to change it and practice tomorrow."
Higgins, the defending champion, admitted that the performance was well below par. He said: "The standard was atrocious. I don't know why both of us should play so poorly. It was one of those games in which I couldn't do anything right.
"I didn't do anything right and didn't feel at ease. I'm not even that gutted because had I won playing like this, it would have been terrible. Jimmy played just as badly but someone had to win.
"I also played badly when I was beaten in the first round of the China Open in Shanghai in December and this performance just about rivalled that one. I said then that if I had played worse, I couldn't remember it.
"It must be contagious because one bad shot followed another. I had chance after chance and most of them went begging. But Jimmy will have to play a lot better than this to have any chance of beating Matthew Stevens in the quarter-finals."
There was worse to come for Higgins after he found out his beloved Celtic suffered a shock 3-1 defeat at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup to complete a miserable night.

Alan McManus (Sco) 2-6 Matthew Stevens (Wal)

Scores: 67-74 (66 McManus, Stevens won on re-spotted black), 76-4 (71), 8-59, 49-52, 72-0 (70), 0-80 (80), 0-96 (96), 0-82 (64)
Matthew Stevens, the runner-up of th UK championship two months ago, showed some great form as he produced successive breaks of 80, 96 and 60 in the last three frames to see off the 1994 champion Alan McManus.
Regal Masters champion Stevens said: "The fourth frame was big when Alan left the black over the hole. I thought he would have punched it in. I could have been 3-1 down but winning the fourth frame settled me. All the way through I felt good but Alan did all the scoring early on."
Losing the first frame on re-spotted balck while 67-0 up, and let Stevens in an easy black to clinch the fourth made McManus struggled. "I'm switching off when I should be concentrating on what I'm doing," he said.
"I also lost a bit of interest once Matthew had won the first frame. I fell asleep which is something I never used to do. I'm not giving it 100% and you've got to do that.
"I'm losing a lot of stupid frames at the moment and I don't know why. I just need to win a couple of matches for things to improve," added the world No.8 who hasn't beaten anyone since the third round of the Grand Prix three months ago.

John Parrott (Eng) 6-3 Paul Hunter (Eng)

Scores: 101-0 (64), 24-95, 64-45, 34-82 (58), 97-0, 48-64, 80-28, 63-46, 79-51
John Parrott secured GBP 28,000, easily his highest cheque of a disappointing season, to be the first man reaching the quarter-finals of the Benson & Hedges Masters.
The world no.5 who won only five matches in the nine other events he has played in this season and the last of those was back in November.
The three-times Masters runner-up summed up his 6-3 second round victory over Paul Hunter saying, "It wasn't pretty to watch but when things are not going great for you, a win is a win and that was the priority here.
Parrott's victory bring a halt to a series of under par performances that have shaken his confidence.
"People see me on Question of Sport and think I'm full of the joys of spring but when you lose your confidence at the table you became a bit frightened.
"I know people at home believe that all we think about is the money but that's not true. All the players here will tell you the esteem in which the tournament is held and we all want to do well.
"I've been pretty twitched-up with ranking points at stake but here you can relax a bit more. I'm also the first player through to the quarters and I have a couple of days off before I play again."
The 35 year who two hours later was at Selhurst Park for the Wimbledon-Everton Premiership game and enjoyed his second joy while Everton beat Wimbledon by 3-0.

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 6-4 Anthony Hamilton (Eng)

Scores: 49-78 (61), 5-112 (112), 71-65 (68, 61), 0-106 (61), 93-20 (52), 65-0, 71-15, 0-64 (63), 126-1 (126), 91-0
Ronnie O'Sullivan, winner of the B&H Master in 1995 and runner-up in the following two years, delighted his fans as he produced the goods in a 6-4 success over Anthony Hamilton.
Hamiton took an early lead but without raising his game, O'Sullivan made a fabulous clearance to stop himself going 3-0 down and by the time he rattled in a 126, the highest of the event so far, he was flying.
That was the 204th break in Ronnie's career and only four players in the sooker history has got beyond the 200 mark.
"Rocket" was in upbeat mood after setting up a quarter-final clash with John Parrott.
He said, "As Anthony played better than he has done for a long time, I just had to stick in there.
"It's all about pressure. At venues like this it's about who can excel and who has the bottle when you are under the cosh.
"I didn't get my flow early on but I know if I can get that I can destroy matches. Playing here just susses you out.
"I get a great buzz playing here, I never want to get beaten and hopefully I will still be here on Sunday. I really fancy it if I play my game.
"I just want to be the best, whether it's snooker, business or table tennis."

Mark J Williams (Wal) 6-3 Peter Ebdon (Eng)

Scores: 88-47, 79-16 (79), 66-67 (51 Ebdon), 42-69 (58), 76-20, 0-74 (70), 71-2 (62), 89-6 (74), 56-55 (54 Ebdon/55 Williams)
Mark Williams and Peter Ebdon were both determined and resolute in this second round match and produced a high quality contest.
The provisional world number one and UK champion, winner here in 1998, quickly found his rhythm and fashioned a 79 break to move 2-0 ahead.
Though he never went behind afterwards, he still found Ebdon is hard to get rid off. And the vital moment came in frame nine, a clearance to the black of 55 which carried him to victory after Ebdon had led 55-1.
Williams said: "It was always going to be a tough match. Peter is a fantastic player who has been doing a lot better this season. He plays his own game and no-one pushes him.
"I used to watch him a lot when we were both amateurs. In those days he was a lot quicker around the table and was the only other player I was interested in. The others didn't matter.
"I did throw away one frame but it didn't affect me one bit as I can put things like that out of my mind."
The UK Champion will now meet Stephen Lee in the quarter-final added, "I've another tough match coming up against Stephen who beat me 5-4 in the quarter-finals of the China Open in Shanghai just before Christmas. Really, I don't care who I play. This is a great tournament played at the best venue of all, it's different class.
"The last thing you want to do here is lose. It's the worst thing that can happen," he added.
The 24-year-old charming Williams also admitted that for once he was totally focussed on what he had to do. "It's not often I can say that," he said.
The Ferrari owner continued, "Normally when I'm not at the table, I'm looking around at the crowd, laughing and joking with someone or just biting my nails.
"But against Peter I was completely focused. It's something I have to try and do in every match, but which isn't always possible."

Stephen Lee (Eng) 6-4 Fergal O'Brien (Ire)

Scores: 4-93 (93), 41-79, 8-101 (70), 108-7 (101), 37-72, 67-57, 85-17, 86-37, 78-54, 95-13 (76)
Stephen Lee produced a great fightback to deny Fergal O'Brien as their morning match turned into a marathon and overran into the afternoon session.
O'Brien compiled breaks of 93 and 70 to lead 3-0 and appeared certain to be heading for a 5-1 lead if he potted the brown in the sixth.
But the Dubliner snookered himself and the match turned. Lee, the world no.6, clawed his way back into it and ended the contest with a run of 76.
It was the second time in his last two matches that Lee was forced to win in the hard way. He defeated Jimmy White in the Regal Welsh semi-final two weeks ago by winning five of the last six frames, including the decider.
"It was a struggle against Fergal. I thought I could have been on my way home when the scoreboard read 4-1.
"But I knew if I stuck in there, I still had a chance though winning the sixth frame after Fergal snookered himself on the blue when he looked like going into a 5-1 lead, was a key moment," said Lee whose highest break was a 101.
With his recent excellent form, twice runner-up in the last two ranking events, Lee admitted his confidence was on a high but insisted it is titles and not fame he is interested in.
"I don't really get recognized in the street that much but I'm not bothered about that. I'm just trying to concentrate on winning matches and I'm getting stronger upstairs mentally."
"I don't worry about the rankings I just go out to enjoy myself and a win like this is much more pleasing than a 5-0."

Ken Doherty (Ire) 6-0 Alister Carter (Eng)

Scores: 68-45, 60-38, 121-0 (104), 115-0 (67), 114-0 (83), 65-11
Dubliner Ken Doherty took only 102 minutes to remove 20-year-old Allister Carter from the event with a ruthless whitewash.
Giant killer Carter who had beaten Steve Davis 6-5 in the previous round couldn't find his form today. He didn't pot a ball in three frames and in all six, mustered only 94 points.
As Doherty took control, he scored 389 unanswered points between frames three and six, the third highest sequence without reply in Masters history.
Top of the pots goes to Stephen Hendry's 487 during a 6-0 victory over Jimmy White at the 1996 Wembley Masters.
The last year runner-up had words of encouragement for his opponent, saying, "Considering what had happened in his previous match, I anticipated this one being a much tougher contest.
"But Allister is still a player for the future. This was a good learning experience for him, as not too many young players get the chance to perform in the unique atmosphere of Wembley.
"It was still an impressive victory for and I was particularly pleased with my heavy scoring. I made some decent breaks."
And talking about his ambition in the remaining games, the Irishman said, "I was disappointed to lose in last season's final. I played well but on the day, John was that much better.
"One of my remaining goals in this game is to become a Wembley Master and I would love to win it this time though I know I will have to improve if I'm to do so."

Stephen Hendry (Sco) 6-3 Mark King (Eng)

Scores: 117-6 (84), 102-33 (92), 76-18 (76), 38-61, 107-9 (106), 5-107 (87), 0-89, 78-0 (55), 78-24 (69)
Stephen Hendry survived a mini-comeback from Mark King in the match but ended it without any problem.
The evening began with a surprise for BBC television front man David Vine who introduced the players in the arena only to be confronted by Michael Aspel, bearing the big red book for the presenter's appearance on This is Your Life.
After that excitement, Hendry settled down to the business in hand and hit King with some heavyweight potting. He was quick to lead by 4-1 included a century breaks of 106, his 30th of this season.
Although The Romford left-handed did manage to come back 4-3, the six-times Masters champion had too much.
Hendry said, "I did play two or three atrocious safety shots against Mark and that gave him a few chances but there's nothing wrong with my game.
"I wasn't worried when it got to 4-3 because I knew I could score heavily.
"Except that, I was playing quite well actually.
"It'll be heartbreaking to lose at Wembley so that's why I have to do better."

John Higgins (Sco)	4-6	Jimmy White (Eng)
Scores: 69-52 (52 White), 69-44, 38-86, 13-94 (57), 73-41, 40-69, 50-79, 75-2 (55), 34-85 (55), 8-117 (70) World no.1 John Higgins, who picked up the Regal Welsh title only 10 days earlier, was knocked out by Jimmy White after a dour struggle in round two. Both players made a catalogue of errors but White compiled breaks of 55 and 70 in the closing two frames to set up a last eight clash with Matthew Stevens. White said: "I certainly won't be watching the highlights on TV. I had missed so many chances that it started to get to me after the interval, but then I had some luck and that doesn't happen to me very often. "To struggle and still beat John has to be a big boost for me. I didn't play well at all and it was very scrappy. I'm disappointed with the way I played but I'm delighted to win because it means I can go again. "My tip was worn out in the match and I'm going to change it and practice tomorrow." Higgins, the defending champion, admitted that the performance was well below par. He said: "The standard was atrocious. I don't know why both of us should play so poorly. It was one of those games in which I couldn't do anything right. "I didn't do anything right and didn't feel at ease. I'm not even that gutted because had I won playing like this, it would have been terrible. Jimmy played just as badly but someone had to win. "I also played badly when I was beaten in the first round of the China Open in Shanghai in December and this performance just about rivalled that one. I said then that if I had played worse, I couldn't remember it. "It must be contagious because one bad shot followed another. I had chance after chance and most of them went begging. But Jimmy will have to play a lot better than this to have any chance of beating Matthew Stevens in the quarter-finals." There was worse to come for Higgins after he found out his beloved Celtic suffered a shock 3-1 defeat at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup to complete a miserable night.

Alan McManus (Sco)	2-6	Matthew Stevens (Wal)
Scores: 67-74 (66 McManus, Stevens won on re-spotted black), 76-4 (71), 8-59, 49-52, 72-0 (70), 0-80 (80), 0-96 (96), 0-82 (64) Matthew Stevens, the runner-up of th UK championship two months ago, showed some great form as he produced successive breaks of 80, 96 and 60 in the last three frames to see off the 1994 champion Alan McManus. Regal Masters champion Stevens said: "The fourth frame was big when Alan left the black over the hole. I thought he would have punched it in. I could have been 3-1 down but winning the fourth frame settled me. All the way through I felt good but Alan did all the scoring early on." Losing the first frame on re-spotted balck while 67-0 up, and let Stevens in an easy black to clinch the fourth made McManus struggled. "I'm switching off when I should be concentrating on what I'm doing," he said. "I also lost a bit of interest once Matthew had won the first frame. I fell asleep which is something I never used to do. I'm not giving it 100% and you've got to do that. "I'm losing a lot of stupid frames at the moment and I don't know why. I just need to win a couple of matches for things to improve," added the world No.8 who hasn't beaten anyone since the third round of the Grand Prix three months ago.

John Parrott (Eng)	6-3	Paul Hunter (Eng)
Scores: 101-0 (64), 24-95, 64-45, 34-82 (58), 97-0, 48-64, 80-28, 63-46, 79-51 John Parrott secured GBP 28,000, easily his highest cheque of a disappointing season, to be the first man reaching the quarter-finals of the Benson & Hedges Masters. The world no.5 who won only five matches in the nine other events he has played in this season and the last of those was back in November. The three-times Masters runner-up summed up his 6-3 second round victory over Paul Hunter saying, "It wasn't pretty to watch but when things are not going great for you, a win is a win and that was the priority here. Parrott's victory bring a halt to a series of under par performances that have shaken his confidence. "People see me on Question of Sport and think I'm full of the joys of spring but when you lose your confidence at the table you became a bit frightened. "I know people at home believe that all we think about is the money but that's not true. All the players here will tell you the esteem in which the tournament is held and we all want to do well. "I've been pretty twitched-up with ranking points at stake but here you can relax a bit more. I'm also the first player through to the quarters and I have a couple of days off before I play again." The 35 year who two hours later was at Selhurst Park for the Wimbledon-Everton Premiership game and enjoyed his second joy while Everton beat Wimbledon by 3-0.

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)	6-4	Anthony Hamilton (Eng)
Scores: 49-78 (61), 5-112 (112), 71-65 (68, 61), 0-106 (61), 93-20 (52), 65-0, 71-15, 0-64 (63), 126-1 (126), 91-0 Ronnie O'Sullivan, winner of the B&H Master in 1995 and runner-up in the following two years, delighted his fans as he produced the goods in a 6-4 success over Anthony Hamilton. Hamiton took an early lead but without raising his game, O'Sullivan made a fabulous clearance to stop himself going 3-0 down and by the time he rattled in a 126, the highest of the event so far, he was flying. That was the 204th break in Ronnie's career and only four players in the sooker history has got beyond the 200 mark. "Rocket" was in upbeat mood after setting up a quarter-final clash with John Parrott. He said, "As Anthony played better than he has done for a long time, I just had to stick in there. "It's all about pressure. At venues like this it's about who can excel and who has the bottle when you are under the cosh. "I didn't get my flow early on but I know if I can get that I can destroy matches. Playing here just susses you out. "I get a great buzz playing here, I never want to get beaten and hopefully I will still be here on Sunday. I really fancy it if I play my game. "I just want to be the best, whether it's snooker, business or table tennis."

Mark J Williams (Wal)	6-3	Peter Ebdon (Eng)
Scores: 88-47, 79-16 (79), 66-67 (51 Ebdon), 42-69 (58), 76-20, 0-74 (70), 71-2 (62), 89-6 (74), 56-55 (54 Ebdon/55 Williams) Mark Williams and Peter Ebdon were both determined and resolute in this second round match and produced a high quality contest. The provisional world number one and UK champion, winner here in 1998, quickly found his rhythm and fashioned a 79 break to move 2-0 ahead. Though he never went behind afterwards, he still found Ebdon is hard to get rid off. And the vital moment came in frame nine, a clearance to the black of 55 which carried him to victory after Ebdon had led 55-1. Williams said: "It was always going to be a tough match. Peter is a fantastic player who has been doing a lot better this season. He plays his own game and no-one pushes him. "I used to watch him a lot when we were both amateurs. In those days he was a lot quicker around the table and was the only other player I was interested in. The others didn't matter. "I did throw away one frame but it didn't affect me one bit as I can put things like that out of my mind." The UK Champion will now meet Stephen Lee in the quarter-final added, "I've another tough match coming up against Stephen who beat me 5-4 in the quarter-finals of the China Open in Shanghai just before Christmas. Really, I don't care who I play. This is a great tournament played at the best venue of all, it's different class. "The last thing you want to do here is lose. It's the worst thing that can happen," he added. The 24-year-old charming Williams also admitted that for once he was totally focussed on what he had to do. "It's not often I can say that," he said. The Ferrari owner continued, "Normally when I'm not at the table, I'm looking around at the crowd, laughing and joking with someone or just biting my nails. "But against Peter I was completely focused. It's something I have to try and do in every match, but which isn't always possible."

Stephen Lee (Eng)	6-4	Fergal O'Brien (Ire)
Scores: 4-93 (93), 41-79, 8-101 (70), 108-7 (101), 37-72, 67-57, 85-17, 86-37, 78-54, 95-13 (76) Stephen Lee produced a great fightback to deny Fergal O'Brien as their morning match turned into a marathon and overran into the afternoon session. O'Brien compiled breaks of 93 and 70 to lead 3-0 and appeared certain to be heading for a 5-1 lead if he potted the brown in the sixth. But the Dubliner snookered himself and the match turned. Lee, the world no.6, clawed his way back into it and ended the contest with a run of 76. It was the second time in his last two matches that Lee was forced to win in the hard way. He defeated Jimmy White in the Regal Welsh semi-final two weeks ago by winning five of the last six frames, including the decider. "It was a struggle against Fergal. I thought I could have been on my way home when the scoreboard read 4-1. "But I knew if I stuck in there, I still had a chance though winning the sixth frame after Fergal snookered himself on the blue when he looked like going into a 5-1 lead, was a key moment," said Lee whose highest break was a 101. With his recent excellent form, twice runner-up in the last two ranking events, Lee admitted his confidence was on a high but insisted it is titles and not fame he is interested in. "I don't really get recognized in the street that much but I'm not bothered about that. I'm just trying to concentrate on winning matches and I'm getting stronger upstairs mentally." "I don't worry about the rankings I just go out to enjoy myself and a win like this is much more pleasing than a 5-0."

Ken Doherty (Ire)	6-0	Alister Carter (Eng)
Scores: 68-45, 60-38, 121-0 (104), 115-0 (67), 114-0 (83), 65-11 Dubliner Ken Doherty took only 102 minutes to remove 20-year-old Allister Carter from the event with a ruthless whitewash. Giant killer Carter who had beaten Steve Davis 6-5 in the previous round couldn't find his form today. He didn't pot a ball in three frames and in all six, mustered only 94 points. As Doherty took control, he scored 389 unanswered points between frames three and six, the third highest sequence without reply in Masters history. Top of the pots goes to Stephen Hendry's 487 during a 6-0 victory over Jimmy White at the 1996 Wembley Masters. The last year runner-up had words of encouragement for his opponent, saying, "Considering what had happened in his previous match, I anticipated this one being a much tougher contest. "But Allister is still a player for the future. This was a good learning experience for him, as not too many young players get the chance to perform in the unique atmosphere of Wembley. "It was still an impressive victory for and I was particularly pleased with my heavy scoring. I made some decent breaks." And talking about his ambition in the remaining games, the Irishman said, "I was disappointed to lose in last season's final. I played well but on the day, John was that much better. "One of my remaining goals in this game is to become a Wembley Master and I would love to win it this time though I know I will have to improve if I'm to do so."

Stephen Hendry (Sco)	6-3	Mark King (Eng)
Scores: 117-6 (84), 102-33 (92), 76-18 (76), 38-61, 107-9 (106), 5-107 (87), 0-89, 78-0 (55), 78-24 (69) Stephen Hendry survived a mini-comeback from Mark King in the match but ended it without any problem. The evening began with a surprise for BBC television front man David Vine who introduced the players in the arena only to be confronted by Michael Aspel, bearing the big red book for the presenter's appearance on This is Your Life. After that excitement, Hendry settled down to the business in hand and hit King with some heavyweight potting. He was quick to lead by 4-1 included a century breaks of 106, his 30th of this season. Although The Romford left-handed did manage to come back 4-3, the six-times Masters champion had too much. Hendry said, "I did play two or three atrocious safety shots against Mark and that gave him a few chances but there's nothing wrong with my game. "I wasn't worried when it got to 4-3 because I knew I could score heavily. "Except that, I was playing quite well actually. "It'll be heartbreaking to lose at Wembley so that's why I have to do better."

QUARTER FINALS

Jimmy White (Eng) 3-6 Matthew Stevens (Wal)

Scores: 38-76, 20-69 (62), 0-76 (52), 61-64, 29-59, 67-48, 75-20, 80-18, 22-72 (64)
Jimmy White staged a brave revival but it was too late to stop Matthew Stevens reaching his first Masters semi-final.
The Welshman played solidly throughout, taking his chances to build consistent breaks, and seemed set for a whitewash.
After 5-0 down, White suddenly clicked into gear and reeled off three frames before Stevens finally hold his breath to seal the victory with a break of 64.
The 20-year-old Stevens admitted to feeling under pressure as Jimmy White hit back, he said, "It's not a nice feeling when you are leading 5-3 and know you should have won 6-0.
"If it had gone 5-4 or 5-5 I would have gone. I was a little bit worried at that stage but I just managed to hold myself together.
"I don't know if I took it too lightly at 5-0 up. You shouldn't but you do. I missed some silly balls thinking I was home and dry. I wasn't brilliant overall, but a win's a win."
Jimmy White, who put a new tip on his cue on yesterday then changed it again after going into interval, blamed them for his performance.
He said, "My biggest mistake was coming to the tournament with the old tip on. We changed it again in the interval but I couldn't compete and it shattered my confidence. I never felt good throughout the match which was a shame as I couldn't compete.
"I only won those three frames because Matthew kept letting me in. Really I didn't know what I was doing and that's a terrible feeling. It is like a golfer having the end fall off his putter.
In the fifth frame, White was penalised by referee Alan Chamberlain after potting a great long pot, for placing the cue ball fractionally over the baulk line after Stevens' cue ball had gone in off.
"While it was my own fault, the red I potted as the foul was called, was the best shot I had played up to then," he said.
It was an unusual error which did not go unnoticed by Stevens. "The cue ball did appear to be slightly over the line. I had a good view from where I was sitting."

John Parrott (Eng) 6-3 Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)

Scores: 65-37, 63-51, 26-68, 72-55, 8-124 (113), 50-69 (50 Parrott), 81-13 (59), 90-21, 77-1
John Parrott, three-times the Masters runner-up, landed his best result of the season by defeating 1995 champion Ronnie O'Sullivan to reach the semi-final.
"Ronnie had a terrible run of the balls in the first half but its happened to me so I'm thankful for small mercies. I'm Ronnie's biggest fan, I know how dangerous he can be but you have to compete with him and not show any weaknesses. If you do, he will put you away.
"I aint playing fantastic but this was the best form I've shown under pressure for quite a while. At this venue the hardest thing is to control yourself. If you don't you are liable to boil over," said the world No.5.
O'Sullivan, top break 113, remarked, "I had enough chances early on to build up a good lead. I didn't take them so losing is all down to me, it's my own fault.
"I missed too many balls and that's something you can't afford to do at this level. If you miss balls against players of John's class then they will punish you and that is what happened.
"A defeat like this 12 months ago would have sent me into despair but I don't want it to run into Malta in 10 days time and it's history to me already."

Mark J Williams (Wal) 4-6 Stephen Lee (Eng)

Scores: 17-68, 6-77 (57), 74-4, 76-33 (57), 0-72, 50-62, 74-29 (54), 30-73, 88-50 (60), 30-65 (53)
Both players made mistakes, missing balls when set, but Stephen Lee just managed to win a scrappy affiar with Mark Williams to reach his first semis in the Benson & Hedges Masters at Wembley.
Lee, already been to two semi-finals in a row, is now in the third and hoping to make it a hat-trick of final appearances having been runner up in the China International in December and the Regal Welsh last month.
"I'm having a good run but this win had to be done the hard way. It was never going to be easy against such a quality player as Mark is.
The 1998 Grand Prix champion added, "I didn't score all that heavily but it was still a good win for me. My safety was solid and I potted some long ones at the right time.
"I'm also a lot stronger mentally these days as I proved in the previous round. I didn't get rattled even when I lost four of the first five frames to Fergal O'Brien."
Meanwile, UK champion Mark Williams advised punters to put their money on Stephen Hendry to return to No.1 on the world rankings next season.
Williams described his performance as "absolutely terrible." The 24-year-old Welshman said, "All the talk is about me and John Higgins being the top contenders for the No.1 ranking. As things stand, that's rubbish and anybody with any money should back Stephen.
"The way we've played here this week, John and myself wouldn't make a break of 30 between us even if we smashed open the reds. A player in the second division could give me a whopping.
"I could see some of the red but I couldn't pot it. Still the game summed up how I've been playing lately. Nothing has changed, I cannot believe some of the balls I'm missing. Even matches I win are a struggle, I'm only scraping through."
"My performance here was what you would expect from someone in the top 32 rather than a player who is leading the provisional rankings."

Ken Doherty (Ire) 6-3 Stephen Hendry (Sco)

Scores: 96-0 (96), 72-22, 73-14 (66), 28-68 (63), 0-137 (137), 75-0 (64), 118-16 (118), 24-109 (104), 69-8
As the last former champion left in the event, Stephen Hendry's defeat meant there will be a new name on the Benson & Hedges Masters roll of honour.
Though the Scot made two century breaks of 104 and 137, the highest so far, it could not prevent the six-time Masters champion crashed on his old rival. He only said eight words afterwards, "I didn't play well enough to beat him."
1997 world champion Doherty was obviously in a different frame of mind. He said, "Without a shadow of a doubt that was my best performance for a long time.
"I love the venue and I love playing Stephen as it brings the best out of me.
"I wish I could treat every player the way I do Stephen because I always raise my game against him. He is a fantastic player and I've had some tremendous matches with him over the years.
"I seem to pick up the bits and pieces he is leaving. But I don't fear anyone because I know that on my day I can beat anyone.
"I had a lot of support here and not just from the Irish population who live in this area. Now for the title, it's one of my ambitions to become a Wembley Master."
Hendry's defeat leaves Scotland without a representative in the last four. The last time this happened was in 1997 and before that, in 1988.

Jimmy White (Eng)	3-6	Matthew Stevens (Wal)
Scores: 38-76, 20-69 (62), 0-76 (52), 61-64, 29-59, 67-48, 75-20, 80-18, 22-72 (64) Jimmy White staged a brave revival but it was too late to stop Matthew Stevens reaching his first Masters semi-final. The Welshman played solidly throughout, taking his chances to build consistent breaks, and seemed set for a whitewash. After 5-0 down, White suddenly clicked into gear and reeled off three frames before Stevens finally hold his breath to seal the victory with a break of 64. The 20-year-old Stevens admitted to feeling under pressure as Jimmy White hit back, he said, "It's not a nice feeling when you are leading 5-3 and know you should have won 6-0. "If it had gone 5-4 or 5-5 I would have gone. I was a little bit worried at that stage but I just managed to hold myself together. "I don't know if I took it too lightly at 5-0 up. You shouldn't but you do. I missed some silly balls thinking I was home and dry. I wasn't brilliant overall, but a win's a win." Jimmy White, who put a new tip on his cue on yesterday then changed it again after going into interval, blamed them for his performance. He said, "My biggest mistake was coming to the tournament with the old tip on. We changed it again in the interval but I couldn't compete and it shattered my confidence. I never felt good throughout the match which was a shame as I couldn't compete. "I only won those three frames because Matthew kept letting me in. Really I didn't know what I was doing and that's a terrible feeling. It is like a golfer having the end fall off his putter. In the fifth frame, White was penalised by referee Alan Chamberlain after potting a great long pot, for placing the cue ball fractionally over the baulk line after Stevens' cue ball had gone in off. "While it was my own fault, the red I potted as the foul was called, was the best shot I had played up to then," he said. It was an unusual error which did not go unnoticed by Stevens. "The cue ball did appear to be slightly over the line. I had a good view from where I was sitting."

John Parrott (Eng)	6-3	Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)
Scores: 65-37, 63-51, 26-68, 72-55, 8-124 (113), 50-69 (50 Parrott), 81-13 (59), 90-21, 77-1 John Parrott, three-times the Masters runner-up, landed his best result of the season by defeating 1995 champion Ronnie O'Sullivan to reach the semi-final. "Ronnie had a terrible run of the balls in the first half but its happened to me so I'm thankful for small mercies. I'm Ronnie's biggest fan, I know how dangerous he can be but you have to compete with him and not show any weaknesses. If you do, he will put you away. "I aint playing fantastic but this was the best form I've shown under pressure for quite a while. At this venue the hardest thing is to control yourself. If you don't you are liable to boil over," said the world No.5. O'Sullivan, top break 113, remarked, "I had enough chances early on to build up a good lead. I didn't take them so losing is all down to me, it's my own fault. "I missed too many balls and that's something you can't afford to do at this level. If you miss balls against players of John's class then they will punish you and that is what happened. "A defeat like this 12 months ago would have sent me into despair but I don't want it to run into Malta in 10 days time and it's history to me already."

Mark J Williams (Wal)	4-6	Stephen Lee (Eng)
Scores: 17-68, 6-77 (57), 74-4, 76-33 (57), 0-72, 50-62, 74-29 (54), 30-73, 88-50 (60), 30-65 (53) Both players made mistakes, missing balls when set, but Stephen Lee just managed to win a scrappy affiar with Mark Williams to reach his first semis in the Benson & Hedges Masters at Wembley. Lee, already been to two semi-finals in a row, is now in the third and hoping to make it a hat-trick of final appearances having been runner up in the China International in December and the Regal Welsh last month. "I'm having a good run but this win had to be done the hard way. It was never going to be easy against such a quality player as Mark is. The 1998 Grand Prix champion added, "I didn't score all that heavily but it was still a good win for me. My safety was solid and I potted some long ones at the right time. "I'm also a lot stronger mentally these days as I proved in the previous round. I didn't get rattled even when I lost four of the first five frames to Fergal O'Brien." Meanwile, UK champion Mark Williams advised punters to put their money on Stephen Hendry to return to No.1 on the world rankings next season. Williams described his performance as "absolutely terrible." The 24-year-old Welshman said, "All the talk is about me and John Higgins being the top contenders for the No.1 ranking. As things stand, that's rubbish and anybody with any money should back Stephen. "The way we've played here this week, John and myself wouldn't make a break of 30 between us even if we smashed open the reds. A player in the second division could give me a whopping. "I could see some of the red but I couldn't pot it. Still the game summed up how I've been playing lately. Nothing has changed, I cannot believe some of the balls I'm missing. Even matches I win are a struggle, I'm only scraping through." "My performance here was what you would expect from someone in the top 32 rather than a player who is leading the provisional rankings."

Ken Doherty (Ire)	6-3	Stephen Hendry (Sco)
Scores: 96-0 (96), 72-22, 73-14 (66), 28-68 (63), 0-137 (137), 75-0 (64), 118-16 (118), 24-109 (104), 69-8 As the last former champion left in the event, Stephen Hendry's defeat meant there will be a new name on the Benson & Hedges Masters roll of honour. Though the Scot made two century breaks of 104 and 137, the highest so far, it could not prevent the six-time Masters champion crashed on his old rival. He only said eight words afterwards, "I didn't play well enough to beat him." 1997 world champion Doherty was obviously in a different frame of mind. He said, "Without a shadow of a doubt that was my best performance for a long time. "I love the venue and I love playing Stephen as it brings the best out of me. "I wish I could treat every player the way I do Stephen because I always raise my game against him. He is a fantastic player and I've had some tremendous matches with him over the years. "I seem to pick up the bits and pieces he is leaving. But I don't fear anyone because I know that on my day I can beat anyone. "I had a lot of support here and not just from the Irish population who live in this area. Now for the title, it's one of my ambitions to become a Wembley Master." Hendry's defeat leaves Scotland without a representative in the last four. The last time this happened was in 1997 and before that, in 1988.

SEMI FINALS

Matthew Stevens (Wal) 6-2 John Parrott (Eng)

Scores: 79-33 (62), 69-26 (59), 32-93 (93), 92-0 (92), 80-13 (74), 0-91 (63), 68-47, 59-32
Matthew Stevens reached his first-ever Masters final in style with a 6-2 defeat of veteran John Parrott.
Stevens, who won the Regal Masters in Motherwell at the start of the season and was also runner-up to Mark Williams in the UK championship two months ago, is now guaranted his biggest cheque in six years as a pro.
He will receive at least the prize money of GBP 85,000, a figure which increases to GBP 165,000 if he goes on to win the title.
The 22-year-old Welsh ace scored heavily in almost every frame said, "I played really well to beat John who is a class player.
"I got off to a good start and felt really comfortable and relaxed all the way through though I was a bit nervous before the match got under way.
"Then it was more like a practice session, I couldn't be much happier over my performance.
"Wembley is a brilliant venue and the atmosphere couldn't get much better than when I beat Jimmy White in the quarter-finals.
"But I did have a lot more support this time as quite a few friends and relatives travelled here to watch the match and it made a big difference.
"I don't mind who I play in the final and I think I have got a chance of winning it."
In frame seven, Parrott was well in on 47 but the Question of Sport captain was not happy with what happened next as his missed a tough plant to let Stevens back in.
"The scoreline is a little harsh for me because I should have made it 4-3 instead of 5-2. That made Matthew's task easier than it should have been.
"But he is a much better player than when I first played him three years ago. If he isn't the complete player yet, then he isn't far away.
"Matthew scores heavily and it's a great weapon in his armoury of being able to make 70 plus breaks and win frames on just one visit to the table."

Stephen Lee (Eng) 0-6 Ken Doherty (Ire)

Scores: 46-58, 0-94, 25-62, 35-77, 43-66 (66), 2-60 (60)
Ken Doherty, last year's runner-up, is hoping to go one better following a 6-0 victory, the second in this event, over Stephen Lee.
In a low-scoring match, the 1997 world champion failed to repeat the standard of his Hendry win but potted several pressure balls to see off the challenge of world no.6 Lee.
Doherty admitted that it was not a classic, "It was more a solid all round performance. There were several crucial frames and I made clearances at the right time.
"I'm certainly up for a Masters title and if I can keep playing like this, I will be a handful for anyone. I've been playing well at the practice table but not getting the results in competition.
"That can be a bit depressing when you have put the work in but two convincing wins here and beating Stephen Hendry in the quarter-finals, has given me my self belief back.
"I'm trying to be a lot more consistent because I don't seem to be in as many finals as many of the other top players.
"It was a dream come true when I won the world title and it will be a dream result if I can win this one as well. I've prayed for this trophy for a long time so it would be nice to finally lift it."
He now meets Matthew Stevens for the 16th Masters title.

Matthew Stevens (Wal)	6-2	John Parrott (Eng)
Scores: 79-33 (62), 69-26 (59), 32-93 (93), 92-0 (92), 80-13 (74), 0-91 (63), 68-47, 59-32 Matthew Stevens reached his first-ever Masters final in style with a 6-2 defeat of veteran John Parrott. Stevens, who won the Regal Masters in Motherwell at the start of the season and was also runner-up to Mark Williams in the UK championship two months ago, is now guaranted his biggest cheque in six years as a pro. He will receive at least the prize money of GBP 85,000, a figure which increases to GBP 165,000 if he goes on to win the title. The 22-year-old Welsh ace scored heavily in almost every frame said, "I played really well to beat John who is a class player. "I got off to a good start and felt really comfortable and relaxed all the way through though I was a bit nervous before the match got under way. "Then it was more like a practice session, I couldn't be much happier over my performance. "Wembley is a brilliant venue and the atmosphere couldn't get much better than when I beat Jimmy White in the quarter-finals. "But I did have a lot more support this time as quite a few friends and relatives travelled here to watch the match and it made a big difference. "I don't mind who I play in the final and I think I have got a chance of winning it." In frame seven, Parrott was well in on 47 but the Question of Sport captain was not happy with what happened next as his missed a tough plant to let Stevens back in. "The scoreline is a little harsh for me because I should have made it 4-3 instead of 5-2. That made Matthew's task easier than it should have been. "But he is a much better player than when I first played him three years ago. If he isn't the complete player yet, then he isn't far away. "Matthew scores heavily and it's a great weapon in his armoury of being able to make 70 plus breaks and win frames on just one visit to the table."

Stephen Lee (Eng)	0-6	Ken Doherty (Ire)
Scores: 46-58, 0-94, 25-62, 35-77, 43-66 (66), 2-60 (60) Ken Doherty, last year's runner-up, is hoping to go one better following a 6-0 victory, the second in this event, over Stephen Lee. In a low-scoring match, the 1997 world champion failed to repeat the standard of his Hendry win but potted several pressure balls to see off the challenge of world no.6 Lee. Doherty admitted that it was not a classic, "It was more a solid all round performance. There were several crucial frames and I made clearances at the right time. "I'm certainly up for a Masters title and if I can keep playing like this, I will be a handful for anyone. I've been playing well at the practice table but not getting the results in competition. "That can be a bit depressing when you have put the work in but two convincing wins here and beating Stephen Hendry in the quarter-finals, has given me my self belief back. "I'm trying to be a lot more consistent because I don't seem to be in as many finals as many of the other top players. "It was a dream come true when I won the world title and it will be a dream result if I can win this one as well. I've prayed for this trophy for a long time so it would be nice to finally lift it." He now meets Matthew Stevens for the 16th Masters title.

FINAL

Matthew Stevens (Wal) 10-8 Ken Doherty (Ire)

Scores: 126-4 (118), 61-50 (50 Stevens), 50-68, 96-0 (96), 85-22 (65), 87-0 (87), 2-102 (78), 59-70, 122-0 (122), 17-83 (60), 72-47 (56), 9-96 (52), 58-14, 78-34 (61), 0-144 (140), 22-82, 0-85 (85), 101-1 (63)
Matthew Stevens, only in his second apperance at Wembley, lifted the gold trphoy with the cheque of GBP 165,000 after a long battle with Ken Doherty.
The Welshman has already appeared in two finals this season, winning the Scottish Masters and runner-up in the UK Championship, became the 16th Master in the B&H Masters history.
Doherty looked to have lost all hope at 9-5 down, but a misery maximum inspired him to bounce back and cut the gap to one frame. Stevens, who had generally played the better snooker, looked nervous and waited more than an hour to finally get a chance. He wrapped it up with a break of 63.
The delighted 22-year-old said, "I'm lost for words.
"I played well all day, but there wasn't much I could do about it when Ken came back at the end.
"It's an unbelievable feeling and to have won this as well as the Scottish Masters is beyond my wildest dream.
"I have watched all the top players won this trophy over the years and I can't believe it is sitting in front of me. I would not swap the money for that trophy."
Matthew Stevens said it was difficult to enjoy the final as it reached its nailbiting closing stages, he said, "We both missed a few balls tonight and the pressure was immense.
"I tried to enjoy it which I did but near the end I just wanted to win. I felt comfortable all the way but at the end it was just the toss of a coin."
Looking ahead he added, "I hope to stay in the top eight for the rest of the season and want to do well in Malta."
The Irishman suffered the double agony of finishing as runner-up again and missing a maximum 147.
He could only shake his head in disbelief at the end of the 15th frame, when missing the final black to complete his first career maximum. The position appeared ideal but a capacity crowd of 2,506 shared his moment of sheer anguish.
Doherty's consolation was the highest of the tournament which worth GBP 19,000 but if Doherty finished off the 147, he would have joined Kirk Stevens, who made a maximum break in 1984, and became the second maximum player in the tournament's 26-year history.
He bitterly regretted rushing the shot which cost him the chance of a thrilling maximum 147 break and said, "The black was just a blur. I was shaking like a leaf at the time.
"I had potted all the hard balls. Maybe it was pressure but I should have taken a little bit more time and steadied myself.
"The buzz of it all was absolutely brilliant and I was more pumped up as the break went on.
"I was 9-5 down and was going for it from the first shot and I would have loved to have created history.
"I probably thought it was so easy, I couldn't miss it."
But Doherty was more upset to have lost the final than missed out a 147.
"I am disappointed about the maximum but it doesn't hurt," he said.
"The tournament is far more important and I would have loved to have won the title. Getting the 147 would just have been a bonus.
"However at least I played well and got to the final and picked up GBP 100,000 and if everybody could do that then they would be happy."
As good sportsmanship, Stevens revealed he was praying for Ken Doherty to succeed in his bid for a maximum in the 15th frame, he said, "I was rooting for him from 64-0 as I had already lost the frame.
"You never see someone miss at that stage and I could not believe it.
"The way he came back was unbelievable and I only had one chance to do anything in three frames."
Stevens now joined fellow countrymen Ray Reardon, Doug Moutnjoy, Terry Griffiths and more recently Mark Williams to become the fifth Welshman to win the B&H Masters title.

Matthew Stevens (Wal)	10-8	Ken Doherty (Ire)
Scores: 126-4 (118), 61-50 (50 Stevens), 50-68, 96-0 (96), 85-22 (65), 87-0 (87), 2-102 (78), 59-70, 122-0 (122), 17-83 (60), 72-47 (56), 9-96 (52), 58-14, 78-34 (61), 0-144 (140), 22-82, 0-85 (85), 101-1 (63) Matthew Stevens, only in his second apperance at Wembley, lifted the gold trphoy with the cheque of GBP 165,000 after a long battle with Ken Doherty. The Welshman has already appeared in two finals this season, winning the Scottish Masters and runner-up in the UK Championship, became the 16th Master in the B&H Masters history. Doherty looked to have lost all hope at 9-5 down, but a misery maximum inspired him to bounce back and cut the gap to one frame. Stevens, who had generally played the better snooker, looked nervous and waited more than an hour to finally get a chance. He wrapped it up with a break of 63. The delighted 22-year-old said, "I'm lost for words. "I played well all day, but there wasn't much I could do about it when Ken came back at the end. "It's an unbelievable feeling and to have won this as well as the Scottish Masters is beyond my wildest dream. "I have watched all the top players won this trophy over the years and I can't believe it is sitting in front of me. I would not swap the money for that trophy." Matthew Stevens said it was difficult to enjoy the final as it reached its nailbiting closing stages, he said, "We both missed a few balls tonight and the pressure was immense. "I tried to enjoy it which I did but near the end I just wanted to win. I felt comfortable all the way but at the end it was just the toss of a coin." Looking ahead he added, "I hope to stay in the top eight for the rest of the season and want to do well in Malta." The Irishman suffered the double agony of finishing as runner-up again and missing a maximum 147. He could only shake his head in disbelief at the end of the 15th frame, when missing the final black to complete his first career maximum. The position appeared ideal but a capacity crowd of 2,506 shared his moment of sheer anguish. Doherty's consolation was the highest of the tournament which worth GBP 19,000 but if Doherty finished off the 147, he would have joined Kirk Stevens, who made a maximum break in 1984, and became the second maximum player in the tournament's 26-year history. He bitterly regretted rushing the shot which cost him the chance of a thrilling maximum 147 break and said, "The black was just a blur. I was shaking like a leaf at the time. "I had potted all the hard balls. Maybe it was pressure but I should have taken a little bit more time and steadied myself. "The buzz of it all was absolutely brilliant and I was more pumped up as the break went on. "I was 9-5 down and was going for it from the first shot and I would have loved to have created history. "I probably thought it was so easy, I couldn't miss it." But Doherty was more upset to have lost the final than missed out a 147. "I am disappointed about the maximum but it doesn't hurt," he said. "The tournament is far more important and I would have loved to have won the title. Getting the 147 would just have been a bonus. "However at least I played well and got to the final and picked up GBP 100,000 and if everybody could do that then they would be happy." As good sportsmanship, Stevens revealed he was praying for Ken Doherty to succeed in his bid for a maximum in the 15th frame, he said, "I was rooting for him from 64-0 as I had already lost the frame. "You never see someone miss at that stage and I could not believe it. "The way he came back was unbelievable and I only had one chance to do anything in three frames." Stevens now joined fellow countrymen Ray Reardon, Doug Moutnjoy, Terry Griffiths and more recently Mark Williams to become the fifth Welshman to win the B&H Masters title.

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