CWY Snooker House

Detail Reports

THIRD ROUNDS

Joe Johnson (Eng) 0-5 (w/o) Michael Holt (Eng)

Joe Johnson was forced to withdraw from the tournament after a mix-up over the time of his match against Michael Holt left him stranded in West Yorkshire.
Johnson, thinking the match started at 6pm, rang a tournament official to book a practice table - only to be told his match was due to start at 1pm.
Realising his error, Johnson withdrew from the event given there was no possibility of making the 220-mile journey in time.

Joe Johnson (Eng)	0-5 (w/o)	Michael Holt (Eng)
Joe Johnson was forced to withdraw from the tournament after a mix-up over the time of his match against Michael Holt left him stranded in West Yorkshire. Johnson, thinking the match started at 6pm, rang a tournament official to book a practice table - only to be told his match was due to start at 1pm. Realising his error, Johnson withdrew from the event given there was no possibility of making the 220-mile journey in time.

FOURTH ROUNDS

Jamie Burnett (Sco) 1-5 Adrian Gunnell (Eng)

Adrian Gunnell, the 27 year old world No.106, now joining the other top players in the final stage of the Rothmans Grand Prix in Malta.
This is his first time qualified for the last 32 of a ranking event but soon he had his very first passport to be sent. "That was asking for trouble," he joked. Telford's Gunnell has never been abroad before and has never even put his foot on an aircraft.
If he could pass the first test when taking on the wildcard Alex Borg, he will face the world champion, Stephen Hendry, in the first round of the overseas stages.
He said, "I just cannot wait. A lot of people have looked at the draw, seen who I was playing and told me 'hard luck' but it's always been my ambition to play Stephen, it's something I've dreamt about ever since I turned professional.
"As far as I'm concerned, Stephen is god. I can't admire him anymore than I do now. He is head and shoulders above the rest.
"My concentration has been poor this season but a couple of weeks ago I spoke to my girlfriend about buying a house and she thought it was a good idea. That made me buckle down and look what's happened," he added.

Jamie Burnett (Sco)	1-5	Adrian Gunnell (Eng)
Adrian Gunnell, the 27 year old world No.106, now joining the other top players in the final stage of the Rothmans Grand Prix in Malta. This is his first time qualified for the last 32 of a ranking event but soon he had his very first passport to be sent. "That was asking for trouble," he joked. Telford's Gunnell has never been abroad before and has never even put his foot on an aircraft. If he could pass the first test when taking on the wildcard Alex Borg, he will face the world champion, Stephen Hendry, in the first round of the overseas stages. He said, "I just cannot wait. A lot of people have looked at the draw, seen who I was playing and told me 'hard luck' but it's always been my ambition to play Stephen, it's something I've dreamt about ever since I turned professional. "As far as I'm concerned, Stephen is god. I can't admire him anymore than I do now. He is head and shoulders above the rest. "My concentration has been poor this season but a couple of weeks ago I spoke to my girlfriend about buying a house and she thought it was a good idea. That made me buckle down and look what's happened," he added.

FIFTH ROUNDS

Stephen Hendry (Sco) 5-0 Adrian Gunnell (Eng)

Stephen Hendry, winner of the event last season when it was an eight-man invitation tournament, made a bright start with a whitewash over Adrian Gunnell.
Without any century break, the world champion only compiled breaks of 59, 51, 47, 55, 42 and 71 to clinch the match. But he is satisfied, "That was a very good performance. I felt confident right from the outset.
"Playing on the main match table helps because I don't get the butterflies on the squash courts."

Matthew Stevens (Wal) 5-3 Michael Holt (Eng)

Newly crowned Masters champion Matthew Stevens had to battle both with his toothache and the match.
He was in such discomfort that he has been unable to eat properly since arriving in Malta on Saturday. But he soon found the match was harder enough to catch all his attention.
"It's a bit painful but it didn't bother me during the match. When you are busy concentrating on playing in the arena you don't notice the pain so much. But it's different when you finish."
The world No.9, who had pain from a wisdom tooth and will visit a local dentist after the match, added, "The pain isn't constant but I can feel it now. Hopefully I can get it sorted out before my next match."
Matthew Stevens was trailed 2-0 but hit back to level at the interval. Michael Holt, a quarter-finalist in last November's Liverpool Victoria UK Championship, though led again by a break of 117 found no where to go as Stevens wrapped the victory with a 129.
"He is a good player but even though I lost the first two frames, I still felt confident about the outcome," said the Master.
Stevens, who defeated Ken Doherty 10-8 to win his first Benson & Hedges Masters, revealed that his post victory celebrations continued for three days.
He said, "That's all behind me now and while I haven't practised quite as much as I normally do, its back to business again.
"I'm determined to win a ranking event because it's something I'm yet to do. I'm full of confidence after winning the Masters and even eased up on my practice but I'm fully focused on doing well here.
"I've got a few more tournaments to play in this season and I won't be happy until I win a ranking tournament."

Jimmy White (Eng) 5-4 Stephen O'Connor (Ire)

Jimmy White, who used to be the victim from oppoenet's fightback, learnt and showed the skill today by winning the last five frames to pip the Irishman.
The 1990 World Amateur Champion Stephen O'Connor, compiled breaks of 87, 51, 71 and 57 to lead 4-0 before the interval, broke down when 45-6 ahead in the next and White cleared with 79 to start a successive attack.
White, also the former World Amateur Champion, had his highest breaks of 79, 56 and 51, and reached the last 16 in Valletta.
"Some days I go out there and believe I can't lose. At other times I don't think I'm going to make a 20.
"It's a horrible feeling and perhaps it has something to do with age," said the 37-year-old.
"After Mark King lost, I had four good luck text messages on my mobile before I went out to play. I know everyone back home is rooting for me but it all adds to the pressure.
"I got to stop thinking about my provisional ranking, it's putting me under too much pressure," he added.

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 5-4 Rod Lawler (Eng)

Ronnie O'Sullivan, who had never previously won a match in Malta, booked a meeting with Jimmy White after a tough encounter. He came back from 4-3 down to beat Rod Lawler, the world No.51, 5-4.
In a contrast of styles, Lawler attempted to slow down proceedings but still managed breaks of 126 and 86. And while two down two to go, the world No.3 responded with runs of 68 and 78 to clinch victory.
The China International champion said, "It's good to be through because although Rod's methodical, he's also good and that made it doubly hard.
"My concentration was quite good but I played a few wrong shots and they could have cost me."
O'Sullivan lost 5-2 to White in the Regal Welsh Open last month and is determined to prevent a similar defeat at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
"Jimmy has had the best of our last few matches and he seems more at ease with his game. I'll have to go out there and do myself justice," he added.

Mark J Williams (Wal) 5-2 Joe Grech (Mal)

Mark J Williams managed to hold his concentration despite an interruption by a stray four-legged visitor and ended the runs of local hero Joe Grech.
The world no.3 described the situation, "We were told that there were two cats out there but I never expected to see one during a match.
"On one shot, I saw one glaring at me and I had to get up off my shot. It was a bit of surprising."
The Welsh wizard, who had a new tip fitted prior to the match, compiled breaks of 123, 76 and 77 during the victory.

Steve Davis (Eng) 5-0 Stuart Pettman (Eng)

Steve Davis recorded his first ever win in Malta and banished those bad memories of the last two tournaments as he whitewashed Stuart Pettman.
"I was pleased to win here for the first time having lost 5-1 and 5-0 on my two previous visits. This is a brilliant venue but if you don't do well it doesn't matter what sort of venue it is," he said.
Despite leading 4-0 he admitted, "It flashed through my mind what has happened to me in the last two events and I thought - here we go again."
The six-time champion led Ryan Day 4-0 in the Regal Welsh Open only to lose 5-4. Then against Allister Carter in the Benson & Hedges Masters at Wembley two weeks ago, Davis moved 4-1 in front before losing 6-5.
This win also boosted the world No.15, who in danger of losing his place after a record breaking 20 successive years, for staying among the game's elite for another season.
Though he stands at No.15 on the provisional rankings, the fact he has already been eliminated from next month's Thailand Masters forced him not to slip anymore in the remaining weeks of the season - a number of players queuing up behind him.

Alan McManus (Sco) 5-2 Dominic Dale (Wal)

Alan McManus finally captured his first-round victory after more than four months disappointing performance.
He said, "I struggled a bit but played OK considering the bad run I've had. But while I have lost a few games, most of them involved tight finishes.
"I should have won this one 5-1 but while Dominic won the sixth frame on the black, it certainly wasn't panic stations. I'm too experienced a player to let that happen."
Since losing to Dave Harold in his Grand Prix second-round match on 17th of October, Alan started the worst nighmare of his career. He never won any of his first match till now. He lost to Michael Holt by 9-8 in the UK Chmapionship, and was whitewashed by Joe Perry in the China International. After the new year break, he continued to lose his round-one to Ian McCulloch by 5-4 in the Regal Welsh and 6-2 to Matthew Stevens in the Benson & Hedges Masters.
However, despite of these poor runs over the months, the world No.8 must found himself lucky in the world ranking list because in fact, before this tournament started, he was standing one step higher than before in the provisional list the No.7 spot.

John Higgins (Sco) 5-2 Joe Swail (NI)

John Higgins, who spent most of the morning around the swimming pool at the hotel he is staying at, was somewhat red faced but kept it cool to seal the place in the last 16.
Higgins beat Irishman Joe Swail but revealed afterwards that he could easily have lost. He said, "Joe didn't get the pace of the table all night and I was able to clear up in a couple of frames he should have won. I'm delighted to have got through."
Swail started the match well with a break of 126 in the first frame, but couldn't continue any further when the world No.1 found his rhythm.
Higgins replied breaks of 102, 63, 58, 52, and 50 and said, "I played well, certainly better than I did at Wembley in the Benson & Hedges Masters.
"I cued across the ball too much there but I knew what I was doing wrong and I have been able to put things right at the practice table. I must admit I was a bit down after Wembley.
"I performed badly there and the only saving grace was the fact it wasn't a ranking tournament. Hopefully I can now put together a decent run."

SIXTH ROUNDS

Stephen Hendry (Sco) 5-3 Matthew Stevens (Wal)

World No.2 Stephen Hendry, hoping to regain top ranking again by the end of the season, fought back from 3-2 down and knocked in back to back centuries of 100 and 107 to beat Matthew Stevens 5-3.
Those centuries added to the total of 34 in the Scot's aggregate of this season.
Hendry was pleased and said, "I stuttered a bit in that last frame but apart from that it was still a good result for me.
"Matthew is one player you would prefer to avoid so early in a tournament like this and next season will be different as he will be much higher up the rankings.
"It was always going to be a very tough match against him. No disrespect to Adrian, but I knew that I could not afford as many mistakes as I had in my last match.
"Matthew punished me for just about every mistake I made but I kept them down to a minimum. I wasn't cueing any better but I did score heavier and that was the difference.
The World Champion came close to a maximum in the seventh frame and revealed, "I had a good chance of a maximum in frame seven until a positional shot went wrong on 57 so I had to change course. The black was possible but it would have been a silly shot to taken on."
The Master Matthew Stevens was 2-1 and 3-2 in front but beaten for the fifth successive time by the Scot and said, "Stephen is never more dangerous than when he is behind. Perhaps I didn't always have the rub of the green but that's snooker. It's swings and roundabouts."

Ken Doherty (Ire) 5-2 Alfie Burden (Eng)

Ken Doherty started a positive approach after the nightmare in Benson & Hedges Masters final ten days ago. He became the first player to reach this year's quarter-finals in Malta.
The Irish ace, compiled breaks of 123 and 112 to clinch the victory, is determined to look forward to the future with confidence after missing the final black of what would have been a televised 147 in the Masters final.
But he believes his missed black might has given him an unwanted place in the history book.
"A few of the players have been giving me some stick over missing the black but everyone has a twitch on a black whether it's for a frame, match or maximum," said Doherty.
"I've just got to get on with it. The miss is all in the past now although I will probably be remembered more for missing that black at Wembley than if I had gone on to win the tournament.
"It will take me some time to get over.
"But if I can win a title by the end of the season at least it will make up for it," he added.

Jimmy White (Eng) 1-5 Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)

Heavyweight Ronnie O'Sullivan fired his 34th and 35th centuries of the season and chalked up the highest break of the tournament in frame three with a 142 total clearance.
He spent under an hour to gain his revenge on Jimmy White after losing him 5-2 in the Regal Welsh last month but praised his opponent, "Jimmy has been performing much better recently."
The champion of China International, who also compiled break of 123, added, "That's the heaviest I've scored all season. It shows all the hard work I've put in has paid off. My safety was also good which shows I have the right balance."

John Parrott (Eng) 5-4 Robert Milkins (Eng)

John Parrott booked his place in the quarter-finals but had a tense match with Robert Milkins, who is 94 places below him on the world ranking list.
After his 2-0 lead, Parrott soon trailed 3-2 and 4-3 down and had to battle all the way through till the end.
Both players made loads of decent breaks but with more experience, Parrott finally had his victory.

Fergal O'Brien (Ire) 3-5 John Higgins (Sco)

John Higgins, already the winner this season of the Grand Prix and China Open titles, recovering from a 3-0 and 45-0 deficit in frame four to reach his fifth ranking event quarter final place of the season.
Despite winning the last five frames, the world No.1 admitted that he will have to play a lot better if he want to progress any further.
He said, "I was pathetic and I'm very lucky to be staying here but I suppose that's what one good thing to come out of this victory.
"It was scrappy stuff but I can't seem to pot a long ball to save my life which was very frustrating.
"I don't know why, perhaps I'm spending too much time worrying about my technique instead of what I'm good at best - potting balls."
Highest breaks for Higgins were 84, 65, 64 and 62 compared to O'Brien's best of 88 and 74.
bridegroom-to-be also revealed, "Neither Fergal or myself could pot anything towards the end and that's something I cannot explain. Maybe it's because I'm getting married on December 22, I've got to blame something."

Stephen Hendry (Sco)	5-0	Adrian Gunnell (Eng)
Stephen Hendry, winner of the event last season when it was an eight-man invitation tournament, made a bright start with a whitewash over Adrian Gunnell. Without any century break, the world champion only compiled breaks of 59, 51, 47, 55, 42 and 71 to clinch the match. But he is satisfied, "That was a very good performance. I felt confident right from the outset. "Playing on the main match table helps because I don't get the butterflies on the squash courts."

Matthew Stevens (Wal)	5-3	Michael Holt (Eng)
Newly crowned Masters champion Matthew Stevens had to battle both with his toothache and the match. He was in such discomfort that he has been unable to eat properly since arriving in Malta on Saturday. But he soon found the match was harder enough to catch all his attention. "It's a bit painful but it didn't bother me during the match. When you are busy concentrating on playing in the arena you don't notice the pain so much. But it's different when you finish." The world No.9, who had pain from a wisdom tooth and will visit a local dentist after the match, added, "The pain isn't constant but I can feel it now. Hopefully I can get it sorted out before my next match." Matthew Stevens was trailed 2-0 but hit back to level at the interval. Michael Holt, a quarter-finalist in last November's Liverpool Victoria UK Championship, though led again by a break of 117 found no where to go as Stevens wrapped the victory with a 129. "He is a good player but even though I lost the first two frames, I still felt confident about the outcome," said the Master. Stevens, who defeated Ken Doherty 10-8 to win his first Benson & Hedges Masters, revealed that his post victory celebrations continued for three days. He said, "That's all behind me now and while I haven't practised quite as much as I normally do, its back to business again. "I'm determined to win a ranking event because it's something I'm yet to do. I'm full of confidence after winning the Masters and even eased up on my practice but I'm fully focused on doing well here. "I've got a few more tournaments to play in this season and I won't be happy until I win a ranking tournament."

Jimmy White (Eng)	5-4	Stephen O'Connor (Ire)
Jimmy White, who used to be the victim from oppoenet's fightback, learnt and showed the skill today by winning the last five frames to pip the Irishman. The 1990 World Amateur Champion Stephen O'Connor, compiled breaks of 87, 51, 71 and 57 to lead 4-0 before the interval, broke down when 45-6 ahead in the next and White cleared with 79 to start a successive attack. White, also the former World Amateur Champion, had his highest breaks of 79, 56 and 51, and reached the last 16 in Valletta. "Some days I go out there and believe I can't lose. At other times I don't think I'm going to make a 20. "It's a horrible feeling and perhaps it has something to do with age," said the 37-year-old. "After Mark King lost, I had four good luck text messages on my mobile before I went out to play. I know everyone back home is rooting for me but it all adds to the pressure. "I got to stop thinking about my provisional ranking, it's putting me under too much pressure," he added.

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)	5-4	Rod Lawler (Eng)
Ronnie O'Sullivan, who had never previously won a match in Malta, booked a meeting with Jimmy White after a tough encounter. He came back from 4-3 down to beat Rod Lawler, the world No.51, 5-4. In a contrast of styles, Lawler attempted to slow down proceedings but still managed breaks of 126 and 86. And while two down two to go, the world No.3 responded with runs of 68 and 78 to clinch victory. The China International champion said, "It's good to be through because although Rod's methodical, he's also good and that made it doubly hard. "My concentration was quite good but I played a few wrong shots and they could have cost me." O'Sullivan lost 5-2 to White in the Regal Welsh Open last month and is determined to prevent a similar defeat at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. "Jimmy has had the best of our last few matches and he seems more at ease with his game. I'll have to go out there and do myself justice," he added.

Mark J Williams (Wal)	5-2	Joe Grech (Mal)
Mark J Williams managed to hold his concentration despite an interruption by a stray four-legged visitor and ended the runs of local hero Joe Grech. The world no.3 described the situation, "We were told that there were two cats out there but I never expected to see one during a match. "On one shot, I saw one glaring at me and I had to get up off my shot. It was a bit of surprising." The Welsh wizard, who had a new tip fitted prior to the match, compiled breaks of 123, 76 and 77 during the victory.

Steve Davis (Eng)	5-0	Stuart Pettman (Eng)
Steve Davis recorded his first ever win in Malta and banished those bad memories of the last two tournaments as he whitewashed Stuart Pettman. "I was pleased to win here for the first time having lost 5-1 and 5-0 on my two previous visits. This is a brilliant venue but if you don't do well it doesn't matter what sort of venue it is," he said. Despite leading 4-0 he admitted, "It flashed through my mind what has happened to me in the last two events and I thought - here we go again." The six-time champion led Ryan Day 4-0 in the Regal Welsh Open only to lose 5-4. Then against Allister Carter in the Benson & Hedges Masters at Wembley two weeks ago, Davis moved 4-1 in front before losing 6-5. This win also boosted the world No.15, who in danger of losing his place after a record breaking 20 successive years, for staying among the game's elite for another season. Though he stands at No.15 on the provisional rankings, the fact he has already been eliminated from next month's Thailand Masters forced him not to slip anymore in the remaining weeks of the season - a number of players queuing up behind him.

Alan McManus (Sco)	5-2	Dominic Dale (Wal)
Alan McManus finally captured his first-round victory after more than four months disappointing performance. He said, "I struggled a bit but played OK considering the bad run I've had. But while I have lost a few games, most of them involved tight finishes. "I should have won this one 5-1 but while Dominic won the sixth frame on the black, it certainly wasn't panic stations. I'm too experienced a player to let that happen." Since losing to Dave Harold in his Grand Prix second-round match on 17th of October, Alan started the worst nighmare of his career. He never won any of his first match till now. He lost to Michael Holt by 9-8 in the UK Chmapionship, and was whitewashed by Joe Perry in the China International. After the new year break, he continued to lose his round-one to Ian McCulloch by 5-4 in the Regal Welsh and 6-2 to Matthew Stevens in the Benson & Hedges Masters. However, despite of these poor runs over the months, the world No.8 must found himself lucky in the world ranking list because in fact, before this tournament started, he was standing one step higher than before in the provisional list the No.7 spot.

John Higgins (Sco)	5-2	Joe Swail (NI)
John Higgins, who spent most of the morning around the swimming pool at the hotel he is staying at, was somewhat red faced but kept it cool to seal the place in the last 16. Higgins beat Irishman Joe Swail but revealed afterwards that he could easily have lost. He said, "Joe didn't get the pace of the table all night and I was able to clear up in a couple of frames he should have won. I'm delighted to have got through." Swail started the match well with a break of 126 in the first frame, but couldn't continue any further when the world No.1 found his rhythm. Higgins replied breaks of 102, 63, 58, 52, and 50 and said, "I played well, certainly better than I did at Wembley in the Benson & Hedges Masters. "I cued across the ball too much there but I knew what I was doing wrong and I have been able to put things right at the practice table. I must admit I was a bit down after Wembley. "I performed badly there and the only saving grace was the fact it wasn't a ranking tournament. Hopefully I can now put together a decent run."

Stephen Hendry (Sco)	5-3	Matthew Stevens (Wal)
World No.2 Stephen Hendry, hoping to regain top ranking again by the end of the season, fought back from 3-2 down and knocked in back to back centuries of 100 and 107 to beat Matthew Stevens 5-3. Those centuries added to the total of 34 in the Scot's aggregate of this season. Hendry was pleased and said, "I stuttered a bit in that last frame but apart from that it was still a good result for me. "Matthew is one player you would prefer to avoid so early in a tournament like this and next season will be different as he will be much higher up the rankings. "It was always going to be a very tough match against him. No disrespect to Adrian, but I knew that I could not afford as many mistakes as I had in my last match. "Matthew punished me for just about every mistake I made but I kept them down to a minimum. I wasn't cueing any better but I did score heavier and that was the difference. The World Champion came close to a maximum in the seventh frame and revealed, "I had a good chance of a maximum in frame seven until a positional shot went wrong on 57 so I had to change course. The black was possible but it would have been a silly shot to taken on." The Master Matthew Stevens was 2-1 and 3-2 in front but beaten for the fifth successive time by the Scot and said, "Stephen is never more dangerous than when he is behind. Perhaps I didn't always have the rub of the green but that's snooker. It's swings and roundabouts."

Ken Doherty (Ire)	5-2	Alfie Burden (Eng)
Ken Doherty started a positive approach after the nightmare in Benson & Hedges Masters final ten days ago. He became the first player to reach this year's quarter-finals in Malta. The Irish ace, compiled breaks of 123 and 112 to clinch the victory, is determined to look forward to the future with confidence after missing the final black of what would have been a televised 147 in the Masters final. But he believes his missed black might has given him an unwanted place in the history book. "A few of the players have been giving me some stick over missing the black but everyone has a twitch on a black whether it's for a frame, match or maximum," said Doherty. "I've just got to get on with it. The miss is all in the past now although I will probably be remembered more for missing that black at Wembley than if I had gone on to win the tournament. "It will take me some time to get over. "But if I can win a title by the end of the season at least it will make up for it," he added.

Jimmy White (Eng)	1-5	Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)
Heavyweight Ronnie O'Sullivan fired his 34th and 35th centuries of the season and chalked up the highest break of the tournament in frame three with a 142 total clearance. He spent under an hour to gain his revenge on Jimmy White after losing him 5-2 in the Regal Welsh last month but praised his opponent, "Jimmy has been performing much better recently." The champion of China International, who also compiled break of 123, added, "That's the heaviest I've scored all season. It shows all the hard work I've put in has paid off. My safety was also good which shows I have the right balance."

John Parrott (Eng)	5-4	Robert Milkins (Eng)
John Parrott booked his place in the quarter-finals but had a tense match with Robert Milkins, who is 94 places below him on the world ranking list. After his 2-0 lead, Parrott soon trailed 3-2 and 4-3 down and had to battle all the way through till the end. Both players made loads of decent breaks but with more experience, Parrott finally had his victory.

Fergal O'Brien (Ire)	3-5	John Higgins (Sco)
John Higgins, already the winner this season of the Grand Prix and China Open titles, recovering from a 3-0 and 45-0 deficit in frame four to reach his fifth ranking event quarter final place of the season. Despite winning the last five frames, the world No.1 admitted that he will have to play a lot better if he want to progress any further. He said, "I was pathetic and I'm very lucky to be staying here but I suppose that's what one good thing to come out of this victory. "It was scrappy stuff but I can't seem to pot a long ball to save my life which was very frustrating. "I don't know why, perhaps I'm spending too much time worrying about my technique instead of what I'm good at best - potting balls." Highest breaks for Higgins were 84, 65, 64 and 62 compared to O'Brien's best of 88 and 74. bridegroom-to-be also revealed, "Neither Fergal or myself could pot anything towards the end and that's something I cannot explain. Maybe it's because I'm getting married on December 22, I've got to blame something."

QUARTER FINALS

Stephen Hendry (Sco) 2-5 Stephen Lee (Eng)

Scores: 83-0 (51), 128-0 (128), 20-110 (61), 56-70 (63), 1-69 (69), 4-91 (83), 20-76 (56)
Stephen Lee shocked Stephen Hendry and will reach his fourth successive semi-final - after China Open, Regal Welsh and B&H Masters.
Hendry only took 25 minutes to establish a 2-0 lead without any replied, but once Lee had settled down, the table turned. The world No.2 could not prevent the Englishman to fight back and lost five frames in a raw.
All he could say afterwards were, "I did enough wrong and got punished for it but I was outplayed after winning the first two frames."
This defeat will affect the world champion's bid of regaining the world No.1 spot after the end of the season. Also, his exit meant that there will be lack of any tartan flavour for the first time this season in a world ranking event.
At the best spell of his career, Lee was pleased, "He never gave me a chance in the first two frames. All I could do was sit down and watch the action.
"But I felt good and was determined to make a game of it and winning the fourth frame on the black, was crucial. Stephen didn't do a lot wrong except to miss a couple of balls through hitting them a little too thick.
"This is a good result for me and to take out Hendry gives me a lot of pleasure. There is still some way to go between now and the end of the season but everyone seems to be playing well which suggests a nice build up for the world championship."
After losing Ken Doherty by 6-0 in the semi-final of the Wembley Masters fortnight ago, Lee will meet Doherty again here and is determined to revenge.
"He won't be doing that to me again. I'm looking forward to it, I've certainly got a score to settle."

Ken Doherty (Ire) 5-2 Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)

Scores: 106-15 (105), 81-35 (58), 38-75, 10-88, 77-28, 92-10, 68-40
Ken Doherty maintained the form that took him to the final of the Wembley Masters earlier this month by defeating Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first semi-final in Malta.
It was the Dubliner's first victory over O'Sullivan in a ranking tournament since the 1994 UK Championship.
Doherty, the world No.7, started the match with a break of 105 and 58 to lead 2-0. Although O'Sullivan won two scrappy frames to level it, Doherty took advantages from O'Sullivan's mistakes and won the last three frames.
"I started off well in winning the first two frames but at 2-2 it was important to win the fifth as well and that's what happened. Ronnie never recovered from it," said Doherty.
"Ronnie made a lot of mistakes and most of the time I managed to punish him. I'm potting plenty of pressure balls and am scoring heavily. My safety side was also spot on. It's a good result really to beat Ronnie in a quarter-final.
"I have slipped into a winning groove and I can't afford to slacken off. The most satisfying thing of all is that I'm back scoring heavily and winning frames on one visit to the table. I've had three centuries here so far and that has done my confidence the world of good. Yes, I'm in with a shout here," he added.
O'Sullivan, with highest break only 45, said with tongue in cheek: "I felt really good, the best for a long time. I'm dumbstruck to play so well and get beaten. Ken though was superb and I couldn't do anything about it."

Mark J Williams (Wal) 5-1 John Parrott (Eng)

Scores: 77-39, 68-59, 0-93 (93), 66-61 (57/61), 84-29, 65-48 (53)
Mark J Williams ensured his place in the semis and brought a smile to manager Ian Doyle's face.
The result means that all four of the semi-finalists are members of Doyle's CueMasters camp, the first time he has enjoyed a monopoly in the last four of a world ranking event.
"I've had three out of four at the world championship but never all four in a ranking tournament, neither has anyone else," said the Stirling businessman.
After the match, UK champion Williams was the first to admit that the scoreline flattered him.
"John should have won more than one frame though we both missed some easy balls. But my safety was excellent, the best for many a day.
"Because I've not been potting the long balls lately I decided to concentrate on my tactical game and it worked."
Williams, currently on pole position of the provisional rankings, reckons that trying to stay there has not put him under any extra pressure. "To be the world No.1 is what I dreamed about as a kid.
"It is also something which is making the final weeks of the season very exciting but I'm not going to get into a lather over it. At least I know now that whatever happens here, I will still be at No. 1 going to Thailand where the next ranking event is.
"It will be fantastic if I top the rankings next season and if I don't it won't be for the lack of trying," added Williams whose highest break was 57.
Parrott, who compiled the match's highest break of 93 in frame three, remarked, "I have been a professional for 16 years and in that time I have never been involved in a more frustrating match.
"Mark scored 31 points more than I did and won 5-1. I think that tells it's own story.
"Sometimes you can get blitzed by Mark but his long game wasn't there today and he kept giving me half chances.
"But his safety was as good as it has ever been. No-one could have picked up the cue ball and placed it more awkwardly than he did.
"The scoreline will look like I got thumped but the simple truth is that you can't afford to miss the balls I did at this level because you will be punished," added the former world champion.

Macro Fu (HK) 5-3 John Higgins (Sco)

Scores: 18-86, 68-47, 98-0 (97), 77-16 (53), 9-75 (75), 3-74, 62-54, 62-16
Macro Fu, the rising sun who rose from 377 to 35 on the ranking list last season, denied John Higgins the chance of a third major title of the season.
The Hong Kong star took three of the first four frames and though Higgins fought back to level at 3-3, Fu held his nerve for an excellent victory.
Fu, a 22 year old from Hong Kong who was runner-up in the 1998 Grand Prix, enthused afterwards, "This win has got to be the best of my career.
"I've beaten the best player in the world and there is now no reason why I can't go on and win the tournament."
"John felt all the pressure out there because he was favourite but I didn't even feel nervous.
"Had he won the seventh frame he might had got some momentum going but when he missed the black it was a turning point."
Higgins, winner of the Grand Prix and Regal Welsh this season, remarked, "I can't put my finger on why I'm so low in confidence considering what I've achieved in the past six months. Anyone else would be on a high.
"Every time I come to the table I'm thinking of ways to put myself in trouble. I'm not playing well enough and it's as simple as that. In fact, I'm not even that surprised at the result."

Stephen Hendry (Sco)	2-5	Stephen Lee (Eng)
Scores: 83-0 (51), 128-0 (128), 20-110 (61), 56-70 (63), 1-69 (69), 4-91 (83), 20-76 (56) Stephen Lee shocked Stephen Hendry and will reach his fourth successive semi-final - after China Open, Regal Welsh and B&H Masters. Hendry only took 25 minutes to establish a 2-0 lead without any replied, but once Lee had settled down, the table turned. The world No.2 could not prevent the Englishman to fight back and lost five frames in a raw. All he could say afterwards were, "I did enough wrong and got punished for it but I was outplayed after winning the first two frames." This defeat will affect the world champion's bid of regaining the world No.1 spot after the end of the season. Also, his exit meant that there will be lack of any tartan flavour for the first time this season in a world ranking event. At the best spell of his career, Lee was pleased, "He never gave me a chance in the first two frames. All I could do was sit down and watch the action. "But I felt good and was determined to make a game of it and winning the fourth frame on the black, was crucial. Stephen didn't do a lot wrong except to miss a couple of balls through hitting them a little too thick. "This is a good result for me and to take out Hendry gives me a lot of pleasure. There is still some way to go between now and the end of the season but everyone seems to be playing well which suggests a nice build up for the world championship." After losing Ken Doherty by 6-0 in the semi-final of the Wembley Masters fortnight ago, Lee will meet Doherty again here and is determined to revenge. "He won't be doing that to me again. I'm looking forward to it, I've certainly got a score to settle."

Ken Doherty (Ire)	5-2	Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)
Scores: 106-15 (105), 81-35 (58), 38-75, 10-88, 77-28, 92-10, 68-40 Ken Doherty maintained the form that took him to the final of the Wembley Masters earlier this month by defeating Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first semi-final in Malta. It was the Dubliner's first victory over O'Sullivan in a ranking tournament since the 1994 UK Championship. Doherty, the world No.7, started the match with a break of 105 and 58 to lead 2-0. Although O'Sullivan won two scrappy frames to level it, Doherty took advantages from O'Sullivan's mistakes and won the last three frames. "I started off well in winning the first two frames but at 2-2 it was important to win the fifth as well and that's what happened. Ronnie never recovered from it," said Doherty. "Ronnie made a lot of mistakes and most of the time I managed to punish him. I'm potting plenty of pressure balls and am scoring heavily. My safety side was also spot on. It's a good result really to beat Ronnie in a quarter-final. "I have slipped into a winning groove and I can't afford to slacken off. The most satisfying thing of all is that I'm back scoring heavily and winning frames on one visit to the table. I've had three centuries here so far and that has done my confidence the world of good. Yes, I'm in with a shout here," he added. O'Sullivan, with highest break only 45, said with tongue in cheek: "I felt really good, the best for a long time. I'm dumbstruck to play so well and get beaten. Ken though was superb and I couldn't do anything about it."

Mark J Williams (Wal)	5-1	John Parrott (Eng)
Scores: 77-39, 68-59, 0-93 (93), 66-61 (57/61), 84-29, 65-48 (53) Mark J Williams ensured his place in the semis and brought a smile to manager Ian Doyle's face. The result means that all four of the semi-finalists are members of Doyle's CueMasters camp, the first time he has enjoyed a monopoly in the last four of a world ranking event. "I've had three out of four at the world championship but never all four in a ranking tournament, neither has anyone else," said the Stirling businessman. After the match, UK champion Williams was the first to admit that the scoreline flattered him. "John should have won more than one frame though we both missed some easy balls. But my safety was excellent, the best for many a day. "Because I've not been potting the long balls lately I decided to concentrate on my tactical game and it worked." Williams, currently on pole position of the provisional rankings, reckons that trying to stay there has not put him under any extra pressure. "To be the world No.1 is what I dreamed about as a kid. "It is also something which is making the final weeks of the season very exciting but I'm not going to get into a lather over it. At least I know now that whatever happens here, I will still be at No. 1 going to Thailand where the next ranking event is. "It will be fantastic if I top the rankings next season and if I don't it won't be for the lack of trying," added Williams whose highest break was 57. Parrott, who compiled the match's highest break of 93 in frame three, remarked, "I have been a professional for 16 years and in that time I have never been involved in a more frustrating match. "Mark scored 31 points more than I did and won 5-1. I think that tells it's own story. "Sometimes you can get blitzed by Mark but his long game wasn't there today and he kept giving me half chances. "But his safety was as good as it has ever been. No-one could have picked up the cue ball and placed it more awkwardly than he did. "The scoreline will look like I got thumped but the simple truth is that you can't afford to miss the balls I did at this level because you will be punished," added the former world champion.

Macro Fu (HK)	5-3	John Higgins (Sco)
Scores: 18-86, 68-47, 98-0 (97), 77-16 (53), 9-75 (75), 3-74, 62-54, 62-16 Macro Fu, the rising sun who rose from 377 to 35 on the ranking list last season, denied John Higgins the chance of a third major title of the season. The Hong Kong star took three of the first four frames and though Higgins fought back to level at 3-3, Fu held his nerve for an excellent victory. Fu, a 22 year old from Hong Kong who was runner-up in the 1998 Grand Prix, enthused afterwards, "This win has got to be the best of my career. "I've beaten the best player in the world and there is now no reason why I can't go on and win the tournament." "John felt all the pressure out there because he was favourite but I didn't even feel nervous. "Had he won the seventh frame he might had got some momentum going but when he missed the black it was a turning point." Higgins, winner of the Grand Prix and Regal Welsh this season, remarked, "I can't put my finger on why I'm so low in confidence considering what I've achieved in the past six months. Anyone else would be on a high. "Every time I come to the table I'm thinking of ways to put myself in trouble. I'm not playing well enough and it's as simple as that. In fact, I'm not even that surprised at the result."

SEMI FINALS

Stephen Lee (Sco) 4-6 Ken Doherty (Ire)

Scores: 0-105 (105), 7-66, 0-93 (93), 9-68 (68), 69-66, 74-1 (74), 98-39 (66), 81-49 (68), 43-95 (95), 54-74
It's only fortnight ago that Ken Doherty missed the last black of the possible maximum in the fianl of the Wembley Masters. He missed again this time on the 14th black at the same spot in the first frame of this match.
But he finally managed to win the match and reach his first ranking final since the 1998 Embassy World Championship.
Doherty took an early lead 4-0 with only 16 points replied before Stephen Lee levelled the scoreline. In frame nine, Lee missed a crucial red to a middle pocket and let Doherty regain the led. Doherty then took another 42 minutes battle for the last frame to see off Lee in another semis.
The Irishman joked about his maximum try, "I seem to be doing all the donkey work and then not finishing the job off.
"I was thinking as I put the break together that I could make amends for Wembley but I missed the same sort of black from the other side of the table."
And to play his first ranking final after more than one-and-half year time, the former world champion added, "I'll have to play better to win the tournament.
"Getting to the final is good but if I don't win it won't be. Winning the title is the most important thing."
He will play against Mark Williams for his third ranking title.

Mark J Williams (Wal) 6-3 Macro Fu (HK)

Scores: 72-26, 64-65 (64 Williams), 0-75 (70), 68-3, 119-8 (119), 95-1 (95), 3-56 (56), 97-0 (97), 68-44
In this none Scottish representative semis since 1996 European Open, also held in Malta, Mark J Williams now increases his lead at the head of the provisional world rankings following the exit of Higgins and Hendry earlier in the tournament.
He completed a 6-3 victory over Hong Kong star Macro fu to reach his third ranking event final of the season.
He said, "The early stages were scrappy but I played well after that.
"I've been trying to slow myself down and concentrate on not missing balls because I haven't been in great form here although there was nothing wrong with that performance.
"As far as being the world No.1 next season, I would like to think I will be too far in front on the rankings to be caught by the time we reach the world championship in April.
"But somehow I still don't think that will happen.
"If I do manage it I'll be even more relaxed than I already am. I would have nothing else to think about except winning the title.
"To be official no.1 is what it is all about, being provisionally the best doesn't matter," added the Welshman who compiled the highest break of 119.

Stephen Lee (Sco)	4-6	Ken Doherty (Ire)
Scores: 0-105 (105), 7-66, 0-93 (93), 9-68 (68), 69-66, 74-1 (74), 98-39 (66), 81-49 (68), 43-95 (95), 54-74 It's only fortnight ago that Ken Doherty missed the last black of the possible maximum in the fianl of the Wembley Masters. He missed again this time on the 14th black at the same spot in the first frame of this match. But he finally managed to win the match and reach his first ranking final since the 1998 Embassy World Championship. Doherty took an early lead 4-0 with only 16 points replied before Stephen Lee levelled the scoreline. In frame nine, Lee missed a crucial red to a middle pocket and let Doherty regain the led. Doherty then took another 42 minutes battle for the last frame to see off Lee in another semis. The Irishman joked about his maximum try, "I seem to be doing all the donkey work and then not finishing the job off. "I was thinking as I put the break together that I could make amends for Wembley but I missed the same sort of black from the other side of the table." And to play his first ranking final after more than one-and-half year time, the former world champion added, "I'll have to play better to win the tournament. "Getting to the final is good but if I don't win it won't be. Winning the title is the most important thing." He will play against Mark Williams for his third ranking title.

Mark J Williams (Wal)	6-3	Macro Fu (HK)
Scores: 72-26, 64-65 (64 Williams), 0-75 (70), 68-3, 119-8 (119), 95-1 (95), 3-56 (56), 97-0 (97), 68-44 In this none Scottish representative semis since 1996 European Open, also held in Malta, Mark J Williams now increases his lead at the head of the provisional world rankings following the exit of Higgins and Hendry earlier in the tournament. He completed a 6-3 victory over Hong Kong star Macro fu to reach his third ranking event final of the season. He said, "The early stages were scrappy but I played well after that. "I've been trying to slow myself down and concentrate on not missing balls because I haven't been in great form here although there was nothing wrong with that performance. "As far as being the world No.1 next season, I would like to think I will be too far in front on the rankings to be caught by the time we reach the world championship in April. "But somehow I still don't think that will happen. "If I do manage it I'll be even more relaxed than I already am. I would have nothing else to think about except winning the title. "To be official no.1 is what it is all about, being provisionally the best doesn't matter," added the Welshman who compiled the highest break of 119.

FINAL

Ken Doherty (Ire) 9-3 Mark J Williams (Wal)

Scores: 46-60, 78-48, 76-0 (52), 90-0 (90), 22-55, 42-92 (88), 85-0 (85), 101-27 (101), 63-12, 67-39, 53-17, 72-31
Ken Doherty claimed his first ranking title since crowned in 1997 World Chmapionship. He defeated Mark J Williams 9-3 in the final of the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix and captured 50,000 pounds at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.
The victory ended the misery that the 30-year-old Dubliner had suffered for a frustrating period, his has been defeated in several finals and semi-finals and two recent missed maximum.
Despite being levelled after taking a 3-1 lead, the former champion set a 5-3 advantage after the first session. He also grabbed the first four frames in the evening to win a comfortable victory.
A jubilant Doherty, compiled the highest break of the final with 101 in frame eight, said afterwards, "This is really special to me because it's been a long time since I last won a ranking title.
"It makes up for all the bad memories from Wembley though I never expected something like this to happen quite so quickly.
"To have come out on top of all the great players that were here this week is a fantastic feeling.
"I have never given up winning a tournament again and I'd like to pay tribute to my family and friends who have given me so much support. They never gave up hope when I struggled and that pulled me through.
"It was important to me to be a winner again and this couldn't have come at a better time with the world championship not that far away."
Williams, claimed the second prize of 26,000 pounds, remarked, "I was garbage, pathetic. He didn't even have to win it."
"Ken didn't play all that well to beat me 9-3 so how bad was I?"
At least, the consolation for Williams is that he has increased his lead over John Higgins and Stephen Hendry at the head of the provisional world rankings.

Ken Doherty (Ire)	9-3	Mark J Williams (Wal)
Scores: 46-60, 78-48, 76-0 (52), 90-0 (90), 22-55, 42-92 (88), 85-0 (85), 101-27 (101), 63-12, 67-39, 53-17, 72-31 Ken Doherty claimed his first ranking title since crowned in 1997 World Chmapionship. He defeated Mark J Williams 9-3 in the final of the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix and captured 50,000 pounds at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. The victory ended the misery that the 30-year-old Dubliner had suffered for a frustrating period, his has been defeated in several finals and semi-finals and two recent missed maximum. Despite being levelled after taking a 3-1 lead, the former champion set a 5-3 advantage after the first session. He also grabbed the first four frames in the evening to win a comfortable victory. A jubilant Doherty, compiled the highest break of the final with 101 in frame eight, said afterwards, "This is really special to me because it's been a long time since I last won a ranking title. "It makes up for all the bad memories from Wembley though I never expected something like this to happen quite so quickly. "To have come out on top of all the great players that were here this week is a fantastic feeling. "I have never given up winning a tournament again and I'd like to pay tribute to my family and friends who have given me so much support. They never gave up hope when I struggled and that pulled me through. "It was important to me to be a winner again and this couldn't have come at a better time with the world championship not that far away." Williams, claimed the second prize of 26,000 pounds, remarked, "I was garbage, pathetic. He didn't even have to win it." "Ken didn't play all that well to beat me 9-3 so how bad was I?" At least, the consolation for Williams is that he has increased his lead over John Higgins and Stephen Hendry at the head of the provisional world rankings.

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