CWY Snooker House

Detail Reports

FIRST ROUNDS

Phaitoon Phonbun (Thai) 5-4 Stephen Maguire (Sco)

Glasgow's Stephen Maguire rewrote the history books when the 19-year-old became the youngest player to make a maximum in professional competition during his first round match against Thailand's Phaitoon Phonbun.
Maguire's first-ever competitive maximum came in his opening game against Thailand's Phaithoon Phonbun and the work earn himself GBP 6,000.
But there was no happy ending to the match as far as the Scot was concerned with the Thai edged through by winning three of the last four frames.
"I would rather have come away with a win than making a maximum," said Maguire.
"I cannot believe I lost. It's a terrible way to end the season and I'll be glad now to put my cue away for a few months and enjoy the summer," added Maguire whose maximum was the third this year, eighth this season and No.37 on the all-time list.

Dennis Taylor (NI) 3-5 Patrick Delsemme (Bel)

Dennis Taylor took his final curtain call as he retired from snooker with a 5-3 defeat against Belgian Patrick Delsemme.
The 1985 world champion has decided to retire after 30 years as a professional at the end of the season. But failing to qualify for the World Championship a few weeks ago meant this is his very last game.
The 51-year-old Northern Irish player can hang up his cue and said after the game, "I guess it was fitting that I should play my last match in Aberdeen. It was up here that I did my first exhibition as a professional in 1971.
"I will miss the buzz of playing because I've really enjoyed it over the last 30 years but I have plenty to keep me occupied.
"I'll be doing exhibitions, my BBC commentary and after-dinner speaking."

Phaitoon Phonbun (Thai)	5-4	Stephen Maguire (Sco)
Glasgow's Stephen Maguire rewrote the history books when the 19-year-old became the youngest player to make a maximum in professional competition during his first round match against Thailand's Phaitoon Phonbun. Maguire's first-ever competitive maximum came in his opening game against Thailand's Phaithoon Phonbun and the work earn himself GBP 6,000. But there was no happy ending to the match as far as the Scot was concerned with the Thai edged through by winning three of the last four frames. "I would rather have come away with a win than making a maximum," said Maguire. "I cannot believe I lost. It's a terrible way to end the season and I'll be glad now to put my cue away for a few months and enjoy the summer," added Maguire whose maximum was the third this year, eighth this season and No.37 on the all-time list.

Dennis Taylor (NI)	3-5	Patrick Delsemme (Bel)
Dennis Taylor took his final curtain call as he retired from snooker with a 5-3 defeat against Belgian Patrick Delsemme. The 1985 world champion has decided to retire after 30 years as a professional at the end of the season. But failing to qualify for the World Championship a few weeks ago meant this is his very last game. The 51-year-old Northern Irish player can hang up his cue and said after the game, "I guess it was fitting that I should play my last match in Aberdeen. It was up here that I did my first exhibition as a professional in 1971. "I will miss the buzz of playing because I've really enjoyed it over the last 30 years but I have plenty to keep me occupied. "I'll be doing exhibitions, my BBC commentary and after-dinner speaking."

THIRD ROUNDS

Stephen Hendry (Sco) 5-0 Lee Walker (Eng)

Defending champion Stephen Hendry made the perfect start to this year's event with a 5-0 win over Lee Walker, his fourth whitewash of the season.
The Scot, whose Achilles' heel in recent seasons has sometimes been found in the early rounds of the major events, overcame a scrappy opening frame to race clear of his Welsh opponent.
Breaks of 76 and 61 helped Hendry wrap up victory in just 103 minutes.
The world champion said, "I wasn't put under a great deal of pressure. Lee missed a couple of easy balls early on, the sort of shots he might well have got in other matches.
"Had Lee won the first frame, it would probably have given him a good boost, instead it settled me down and I felt great afterwards."

John Parrott (Eng) 3-5 Allister Carter (Eng)

John Parrott became the latest victim of giant-killer Ali Carter, who has already claimed the scalps of Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis this season.
World No.142 Carter led world No.5 Parrott 4-1 and with his lead cut to a single frame looked to be heading for the decider until the former world champion missed the yellow when his break reached 48.
Parott then conceded the eighth frame after leaving a simple pink.
Carter said, "I don't fear the top players and I prefer to play them because I've got nothing to lose."

Steve Davis (Eng) 5-0 David McLellan (Eng)

Steve Davis increased his chances of retaining his coveted top 16 status for a 21st consecutive season by beating David McLellan in his first-round match of the Regal Sscottish Open.
"There are a few players in with a shout of the top 16 and it's all very exciting," he said.
"Any win is a good win because I had hit a bit of a brick wall and with just two tournaments left, I'd better buck up.
"I was nervous at the start, but it's getting towards the end of the season and the scramble is on for the top 16."

Jimmy White (Eng) 4-5 Marcus Campbell (Sco)

Giant killer Marcus Campbell struck again when he defeated "whirlwind" Jimmy White 5-4 to reach the televised stages.
Sixteen months ago, at the UK championship in Bournemouth, Campbell was responsible for one of the game's biggest upset when he thrashed Stephen Hendry 9-0 in the last 64.
He went on to beat Aussie Quinten Hann 9-5 before losing 9-7 to Steve Davis for a place in the quarter-finals.
Now comes another upset and one which could have serious repercussions for White who only this season regained his top 16 ranking after two years in the wilderness.
The 37-year-old White faces Scotland's Billy Snaddon in the first round at the Crucible knowing now he has to win that match and probably one more, which would be against Hendry providing the defending champion beats Stuart Bingham, if he is to stay in the top 16.
"I was diabolical today. I don't know why I didn't perform and I certainly can't afford a replay at Sheffield. I will have to be totally focused on what has to be done once I get there," said White whose highest break was a modest 37.
He added, "With the match starting at 10 am, I made a point of getting up at eight all week to get used to the time schedule. I'm not complaining, the players had to be spread out over two different session times, and there was no reason why I couldn't be slotted in this morning."
While White led 3-1, Campbell won the next two frames, recording the highest break of the match, a 67 to draw level at 3-3. A scrappy contest was eventually resolved on the green in the decider.
The 27-year-old Campbell, world No.48, who lost to Ian Brumby, world No.102, for a place in the last 16 of the World Championship said, "I've been playing well in practice but not getting the results I wanted particularly in the world championship when I lost my first qualifying match. But it only takes a win like this and your are starting to think straight again."

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 5-4 Dave Finbow (Eng)

Ronnie O'Sullivan was less than pleased with his performance in his first round of the Regal Scottish Open.
The world No.4 trailed Finbow 2-0 and 3-2 before eventually scraping through 5-4.
"It's frustrating when I'm playing so poorly. These best of nines feel like marathons. I got stuck in today which is a good job, if I hadn't done, Dave would have beaten me.
"I'm in the mood for trying, I want to win here but when I'm playing like an idiot it's hard to understand. People say it's only a game but to me it's life and sometimes the brain cannot take it all in."
O'Sullivan, one of the most fiercely self-critical players on the circuit, added, "I was better when I was 13 and that's no word of a lie.
"I could have been world champion by now if I still played like I did as a kid. Everyone says I should stick in there, but it's so frustrating."

Mark J Williams (Wal) 5-1 John Lardner (Sco)

Mark J Williams shows no sign of loosening his grip on snooker's world No.1 spot to his Scottish rivals Stephen Hendry and John Higgins.
In his first match of this year's Regal Scottish, Williams took only 87 minutes to score an emphatic victory over John Lardner and said, "I want that No.1 spot as much as they do."
The UK champion currently heads the provisional rankings and providing a win here on Sunday night means he can go to Sheffield guaranteed pole position for next season.
But right now Williams is more concerned with keeping up with Hendry. "The main thing is to have a good run here and not let Stephen get away from me. He won his first match before I won mine so it was important for me to follow suit as that helps to keep the pressure on him."
Williams, winner of two events this season and runner-up in two more, losed the first frame but won five frames on the trot in this clash. He finished in style with back-to-back century breaks of 105 and 124.
"I felt good in practice last night and it spilled over to the match table today. It was the best I've played all year and I enjoyed putting together those back to back centuries," added Williams.
The Welsh ace has reached a career landmark of 100 three figure breaks during a league match at Stirling University last weekend.
His next opponent will be Iceland's Kristjan Helgason, a player he had never even seen before he bumped into him in the media lounge on Monday.
"Obviously he is an excellent player. But while you cannot afford to treat anyone lightly these days, this is something I've never done. Whoever I'm playing has my 100 per cent attention."

Ken Doherty (Ire) 5-2 Ian McCulloch (Eng)

Irishman Ken Doherty was pegged back from 3-0 to 3-2 by Ian McCulloch after the Preston based professional fired home successive breaks of 82 and 73.
"They were great breaks and for two frames I didn't pot a ball. When games go like that and the other player is on a roll, things can get difficult," said the former world champion.
But Doherty soon held his nerve sufficiently with breaks of 64, 40 and 35 in the last two frames, said, "I made a couple of useful breaks myself towards the end and they were enough to take me through."
Looking forward to his next match he added, "Once you win a match here you play the next day which is ideal. It's good to play a few in succession ahead of Sheffield."

Alan McManus (Sco) 5-0 Noppadon Noppachorn (Thai)

World No.8 Alan McManus progressed without great difficulty, whitewashed Thailand's Noppadon Noppachorn in his opening match whithin 96 minutes.
"He never looked comfortable from the start. It's the first time I have seen him play and while he has some good results, he didn't perform well at all," said McManus.
"I played OK but after he missed two or three simple chances early on, it seemed to unsettle him and made things easier for me."
His next opponent will be another cueman from the Orient, Hong Kong's Marco Fu, and the 29-year-old Scotsman anticipates a much tough contest when he faces Fu.
"It has been 5-4 both times we've played before, so it will be a tough game," he said.
"Everyone is hoping for some good results here before going to Sheffield and the Embassy world championship next week. I'm one of them and I would imagine Marco is no different to me. I certainly want to win, my game is pretty good so we will have to wait and see what happens."

John Higgins (Sco) 5-2 Anthony Davies (Wal)

In front of his home support, John Higgins completed an uneasy 5-2 victory over Anthony Davies to go through to the fourth round.
He was caught 2-2 after taking a 2-0 lead and only won some scrappy frames after the interval. "I'm pleased to go through obviously because at 2-2 it wasn't looking great."
"As there are no problems with my practice game I don't feel too down. Perhaps this was one of those days when you play badly and win or maybe it was a case of first-match blues," said Higgins whose highest breaks were 92 and 52.
"You always try to put on a decent show in front of your own supporters so I might have been trying a bit too hard. They certainly got behind me for the second half as they did for Stephen (Hendry) last night.
"There have been two Scottish wins here in the last three years so I'm hoping I can give everyone something to cheer about on Sunday."
Despite the win, Higgins is ready to concede defeat in his battle to retain his world No.1 status. He added, "I'm not sure whether I can catch Mark (Williams) at the top of the rankings. If he does well here, he will probably be too far in front but that doesn't mean there is nothing to aim for.
"Stephen is still second on the provisional rankings and if I lose my number one spot I don't want to fall any lower than that."

Stephen Hendry (Sco)	5-0	Lee Walker (Eng)
Defending champion Stephen Hendry made the perfect start to this year's event with a 5-0 win over Lee Walker, his fourth whitewash of the season. The Scot, whose Achilles' heel in recent seasons has sometimes been found in the early rounds of the major events, overcame a scrappy opening frame to race clear of his Welsh opponent. Breaks of 76 and 61 helped Hendry wrap up victory in just 103 minutes. The world champion said, "I wasn't put under a great deal of pressure. Lee missed a couple of easy balls early on, the sort of shots he might well have got in other matches. "Had Lee won the first frame, it would probably have given him a good boost, instead it settled me down and I felt great afterwards."

John Parrott (Eng)	3-5	Allister Carter (Eng)
John Parrott became the latest victim of giant-killer Ali Carter, who has already claimed the scalps of Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis this season. World No.142 Carter led world No.5 Parrott 4-1 and with his lead cut to a single frame looked to be heading for the decider until the former world champion missed the yellow when his break reached 48. Parott then conceded the eighth frame after leaving a simple pink. Carter said, "I don't fear the top players and I prefer to play them because I've got nothing to lose."

Steve Davis (Eng)	5-0	David McLellan (Eng)
Steve Davis increased his chances of retaining his coveted top 16 status for a 21st consecutive season by beating David McLellan in his first-round match of the Regal Sscottish Open. "There are a few players in with a shout of the top 16 and it's all very exciting," he said. "Any win is a good win because I had hit a bit of a brick wall and with just two tournaments left, I'd better buck up. "I was nervous at the start, but it's getting towards the end of the season and the scramble is on for the top 16."

Jimmy White (Eng)	4-5	Marcus Campbell (Sco)
Giant killer Marcus Campbell struck again when he defeated "whirlwind" Jimmy White 5-4 to reach the televised stages. Sixteen months ago, at the UK championship in Bournemouth, Campbell was responsible for one of the game's biggest upset when he thrashed Stephen Hendry 9-0 in the last 64. He went on to beat Aussie Quinten Hann 9-5 before losing 9-7 to Steve Davis for a place in the quarter-finals. Now comes another upset and one which could have serious repercussions for White who only this season regained his top 16 ranking after two years in the wilderness. The 37-year-old White faces Scotland's Billy Snaddon in the first round at the Crucible knowing now he has to win that match and probably one more, which would be against Hendry providing the defending champion beats Stuart Bingham, if he is to stay in the top 16. "I was diabolical today. I don't know why I didn't perform and I certainly can't afford a replay at Sheffield. I will have to be totally focused on what has to be done once I get there," said White whose highest break was a modest 37. He added, "With the match starting at 10 am, I made a point of getting up at eight all week to get used to the time schedule. I'm not complaining, the players had to be spread out over two different session times, and there was no reason why I couldn't be slotted in this morning." While White led 3-1, Campbell won the next two frames, recording the highest break of the match, a 67 to draw level at 3-3. A scrappy contest was eventually resolved on the green in the decider. The 27-year-old Campbell, world No.48, who lost to Ian Brumby, world No.102, for a place in the last 16 of the World Championship said, "I've been playing well in practice but not getting the results I wanted particularly in the world championship when I lost my first qualifying match. But it only takes a win like this and your are starting to think straight again."

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)	5-4	Dave Finbow (Eng)
Ronnie O'Sullivan was less than pleased with his performance in his first round of the Regal Scottish Open. The world No.4 trailed Finbow 2-0 and 3-2 before eventually scraping through 5-4. "It's frustrating when I'm playing so poorly. These best of nines feel like marathons. I got stuck in today which is a good job, if I hadn't done, Dave would have beaten me. "I'm in the mood for trying, I want to win here but when I'm playing like an idiot it's hard to understand. People say it's only a game but to me it's life and sometimes the brain cannot take it all in." O'Sullivan, one of the most fiercely self-critical players on the circuit, added, "I was better when I was 13 and that's no word of a lie. "I could have been world champion by now if I still played like I did as a kid. Everyone says I should stick in there, but it's so frustrating."

Mark J Williams (Wal)	5-1	John Lardner (Sco)
Mark J Williams shows no sign of loosening his grip on snooker's world No.1 spot to his Scottish rivals Stephen Hendry and John Higgins. In his first match of this year's Regal Scottish, Williams took only 87 minutes to score an emphatic victory over John Lardner and said, "I want that No.1 spot as much as they do." The UK champion currently heads the provisional rankings and providing a win here on Sunday night means he can go to Sheffield guaranteed pole position for next season. But right now Williams is more concerned with keeping up with Hendry. "The main thing is to have a good run here and not let Stephen get away from me. He won his first match before I won mine so it was important for me to follow suit as that helps to keep the pressure on him." Williams, winner of two events this season and runner-up in two more, losed the first frame but won five frames on the trot in this clash. He finished in style with back-to-back century breaks of 105 and 124. "I felt good in practice last night and it spilled over to the match table today. It was the best I've played all year and I enjoyed putting together those back to back centuries," added Williams. The Welsh ace has reached a career landmark of 100 three figure breaks during a league match at Stirling University last weekend. His next opponent will be Iceland's Kristjan Helgason, a player he had never even seen before he bumped into him in the media lounge on Monday. "Obviously he is an excellent player. But while you cannot afford to treat anyone lightly these days, this is something I've never done. Whoever I'm playing has my 100 per cent attention."

Ken Doherty (Ire)	5-2	Ian McCulloch (Eng)
Irishman Ken Doherty was pegged back from 3-0 to 3-2 by Ian McCulloch after the Preston based professional fired home successive breaks of 82 and 73. "They were great breaks and for two frames I didn't pot a ball. When games go like that and the other player is on a roll, things can get difficult," said the former world champion. But Doherty soon held his nerve sufficiently with breaks of 64, 40 and 35 in the last two frames, said, "I made a couple of useful breaks myself towards the end and they were enough to take me through." Looking forward to his next match he added, "Once you win a match here you play the next day which is ideal. It's good to play a few in succession ahead of Sheffield."

Alan McManus (Sco)	5-0	Noppadon Noppachorn (Thai)
World No.8 Alan McManus progressed without great difficulty, whitewashed Thailand's Noppadon Noppachorn in his opening match whithin 96 minutes. "He never looked comfortable from the start. It's the first time I have seen him play and while he has some good results, he didn't perform well at all," said McManus. "I played OK but after he missed two or three simple chances early on, it seemed to unsettle him and made things easier for me." His next opponent will be another cueman from the Orient, Hong Kong's Marco Fu, and the 29-year-old Scotsman anticipates a much tough contest when he faces Fu. "It has been 5-4 both times we've played before, so it will be a tough game," he said. "Everyone is hoping for some good results here before going to Sheffield and the Embassy world championship next week. I'm one of them and I would imagine Marco is no different to me. I certainly want to win, my game is pretty good so we will have to wait and see what happens."

John Higgins (Sco)	5-2	Anthony Davies (Wal)
In front of his home support, John Higgins completed an uneasy 5-2 victory over Anthony Davies to go through to the fourth round. He was caught 2-2 after taking a 2-0 lead and only won some scrappy frames after the interval. "I'm pleased to go through obviously because at 2-2 it wasn't looking great." "As there are no problems with my practice game I don't feel too down. Perhaps this was one of those days when you play badly and win or maybe it was a case of first-match blues," said Higgins whose highest breaks were 92 and 52. "You always try to put on a decent show in front of your own supporters so I might have been trying a bit too hard. They certainly got behind me for the second half as they did for Stephen (Hendry) last night. "There have been two Scottish wins here in the last three years so I'm hoping I can give everyone something to cheer about on Sunday." Despite the win, Higgins is ready to concede defeat in his battle to retain his world No.1 status. He added, "I'm not sure whether I can catch Mark (Williams) at the top of the rankings. If he does well here, he will probably be too far in front but that doesn't mean there is nothing to aim for. "Stephen is still second on the provisional rankings and if I lose my number one spot I don't want to fall any lower than that."

FOURTH ROUNDS

Stephen Hendry (Sco) 5-2 Craig Harrison (Eng)

World champion Stephen Hendry progressed to the last 16 by beating Craig Harrison 5-2 with a top break of 123.
Hendry had never even met the St Helens cueman until he came face to face with him at the match table.
"He surprised me," said defending champion. "I thought he played very well and on this performance there is no reason why he shouldn't climb the rankings with a vengeance. I played pretty good out there despite making one or two errors and generally I'm pleased with my performance."
The Scot faces Welshman Matthew Stevens for a place in the quarter-finals having played him three times this season and won them all. "The law of averages says he must win sometime but I'm confident, I'm playing well."

Matthew Stevens (Wal) 5-1 Steve James (Eng)

Matthew Stevens, winner of the Regal Masters in Motherwell at the start of the season and the Benson & Hedges Masters at Wembley in February, maintained his chance towards a Regal double after thrashed Steve James 5-1.
"It was a comfortable win in the end. I'm happy with my cueing, so there's no reason why I can't win it."
"People keep saying that I must win my first ranking event, but I'm happy with my season whatever happens next," said Stevens who had breaks of 91, 89 and 78.

Steve Davis (Eng) 0-5 Dave Harold (Eng)

Steve Davis' hopes of staying in the top 16 of the world rankings for a record 21st successive year could be in doubt after he lost 5-0 to Dave Harold.
Davis, currently 16th in the list, lost the first two frames before staying in his chair as breaks of 54 and 96 put Harold 4-0 in front.
Harold clinched victory in frame five on the blue and can now return to the top 16 after a three-year absence.
"That takes the pressure off," he said. "now I can relax and enjoy the last two tournaments. Of course, to beat someone of Steve's calibre 5-0 is tremendous."

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 5-4 Quinten Hann (Aus)

Rocket Ronnie O'Sullivan booked his place in the last 16 thanks to another maximum break. He now joins Stephen Hendry and John Higgins in making two televised 147s in the same season.
O'Sullivan's 147 came in the fourth frame of his match against Aussie Quinten Hann. It also took him into a 4-0 lead though just over an hour later, the world No.3 was fighting for survival.
But after Hann struck the blue swerving out of a snooker, O'Sullivan cleared up to complete a 5-4 victory.
O'Sullivan was still not comfortable with his game and said, "I care, but sometimes I feel like I don't care.
"I was pleased to make the 147 but it only wins you a single frame, it's skill and craft that win matches and tournaments. This was an unbelievable game, the likes of which I have never been involved in before.
"I felt it was going to go all the way when Quinten won the fifth frame. He can play snooker a bit and kept me in my seat for long periods which was so frustrating. I even changed to playing left handed because I enjoy matches more when I play that way.
"In the end I didn't care whether I won or lost. It seemed to me it was going to be one of those days in which I was destined to lose."
O'Sullivan who also had breaks of 68, 61, 59 and 56 added, "I felt mad out there, I didn't know what was happening, it was a crazy sort of match, quite incredible."
His 147 was the 38th maximum on record, the 18th on TV, the ninth - six have been on television - this season and fourth this year. It was clocked at 6mins 40secs, the second fastest ever and gives O'Sullivan the three quickest on record.
This break earned him GBP 5,000 plus a new car worth GBP 20,000. Together with his 147 at the Grand Prix in Preston last October, he now owned two new Vauxhall Vectra saloons.
The maximum was also O'Sullivan's fourth in competition and the first time both the televised and non televised stages of any current ranking event had produced a 147, Glasgow's Stephen Maguire completing the first leg last week.
But Hann, the world No.26 projected himself as being completely disillusioned with the game of snooker. "If I win I win, if I lose I lose. It's no big deal.
"I hate this game with a passion. I hate coming to the tournaments. You only get out of the game what you put in, and my contribution was nothing for the last two years.
"I knew at 4-4 something would happen and that I would lose. It's just the way the game goes. This tournament is OK but I didn't practice at all for it. I won't even pick up a cue again until I play my next match over here next season. I can't wait to come back and lose a match like that. I'm glad I've had the last six months off."
Hann, because of sufferring a shattered wrist in a motorcycle racing accident on a circuit near Melbourne last October, only returned to the UK for the qualifying rounds of the Embassy world championship. He was beaten 10-9 by Stuart Bingham for a place at the Crucible.
"I'll compete in the Australia superbike series when I get back home, I have entries for a couple of events. It's a bit of fun."
O'Sullivan remarked, "If I was Quinten I would stay in Australia and race motorcycles. He's mad like me and seems to enjoy it. I would back him to be a winner. I like him.
"Snooker is just a game to Quinten. He doesn't enjoy it so why be miserable over here."

Anthony Hamilton (Eng) 5-3 Chris Small (Sco)

A 4hrs.14 mins marathon fifth round match between Nottingham's Anthony Hamilton and Edinburgh's former Leith bank clerk Chris Small resulted in a 5-3 victory for the Englishman.
Hamilton, the world No.10, won the 54 minutes final frame, one of four which took over half an hour to complete, and said, "It's nice to come against someone who's struggling a bit. Because players have been playing some very good stuff against me in early rounds this season."

Ken Doherty (Ire) 5-2 Gary Wilkinson (Eng)

Irishman Ken Doherty beat world No.29 Gary Wilkinson despite a pre-match accident.
The world number seven walked into a glass door at a hotel in Aberdeen on Tuesday night. He sustained a bad cut to the bridge of his nose, and was lucky not to have required stitches.
Despite his obvious discomfort and an early start to his match, he defeated Gary Wilkinson 5-2. The match had long spells of poor play, but Doherty did make two centuries, a 107 and a 118 as well as two breaks over fifty.
"The game wasn't very good," said the Irishman, "Apart from the two century breaks it was very slow, but at least I won anyway."
Regarding his injury he commented, "I was lucky the glass didn't break and that stitches weren't needed to repair a small cut on the bridge of my nose. But afterwards it did look as if I had done a few rounds with Mike Tyson."

Alan McManus (Sco) 4-5 Macro Fu (HK)

Hong Kong's Marco Fu had another long tussle with Alan McManus. It was the third time in three meetings that the pair went to a deciding ninth frame, and on each occasion Fu has led 4-1.
Fu had breaks of 100, 58, 59 and 64 in building up his lead. When McManus turned up the heat, Fu showed great composure in dominating the final frame.
"I'm just happy to go through, and just want to win," said Fu. "Even when he came back to 4-4 I felt good. Last year I lost a lot of deciding frames, but this year I've won a few."
The Asian ace, having finished as the last match tonight, must now play first thing in tomorrow morning against Gary Ponting.
McManus, who has had a bad season by his standards, was understandably disappointed. He said, "This season I've lost a lot of deciding frames, but I used to win a lot of them. You just need a bit of luck at the right time.
"It would have been nice to win to have a couple more games ahead of Sheffield," added the Scot. "but I do feel good. I was convinced I was going to win tonight."

Peter Ebdon (Eng) 5-3 Dominic Dale (Wal)

World No.13 Peter Ebdon had to recover from 3-1 down by winning four successive frames including a total clearance of 135.
It is a mini dress rehearsal of their Embassy world championship first round match which went to Ebdon's favour.
He then drew inspiration from the world of music as he came from behind to beat Dale.
"Bruce Springsteen once said that before he goes out on stage his hand start sweating, his heart is pounding and that he's really up for it.
"Carly Simon said her hands sweat and her heart starts pounding but she feels as though she is having a panic at ack.
"I was nervous but I was really up for it. That was as good a fighting performance as I've had recently.
"I'm delighted with this performance. I fought hard all the way through."

Stephen Hendry (Sco)	5-2	Craig Harrison (Eng)
World champion Stephen Hendry progressed to the last 16 by beating Craig Harrison 5-2 with a top break of 123. Hendry had never even met the St Helens cueman until he came face to face with him at the match table. "He surprised me," said defending champion. "I thought he played very well and on this performance there is no reason why he shouldn't climb the rankings with a vengeance. I played pretty good out there despite making one or two errors and generally I'm pleased with my performance." The Scot faces Welshman Matthew Stevens for a place in the quarter-finals having played him three times this season and won them all. "The law of averages says he must win sometime but I'm confident, I'm playing well."

Matthew Stevens (Wal)	5-1	Steve James (Eng)
Matthew Stevens, winner of the Regal Masters in Motherwell at the start of the season and the Benson & Hedges Masters at Wembley in February, maintained his chance towards a Regal double after thrashed Steve James 5-1. "It was a comfortable win in the end. I'm happy with my cueing, so there's no reason why I can't win it." "People keep saying that I must win my first ranking event, but I'm happy with my season whatever happens next," said Stevens who had breaks of 91, 89 and 78.

Steve Davis (Eng)	0-5	Dave Harold (Eng)
Steve Davis' hopes of staying in the top 16 of the world rankings for a record 21st successive year could be in doubt after he lost 5-0 to Dave Harold. Davis, currently 16th in the list, lost the first two frames before staying in his chair as breaks of 54 and 96 put Harold 4-0 in front. Harold clinched victory in frame five on the blue and can now return to the top 16 after a three-year absence. "That takes the pressure off," he said. "now I can relax and enjoy the last two tournaments. Of course, to beat someone of Steve's calibre 5-0 is tremendous."

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)	5-4	Quinten Hann (Aus)
Rocket Ronnie O'Sullivan booked his place in the last 16 thanks to another maximum break. He now joins Stephen Hendry and John Higgins in making two televised 147s in the same season. O'Sullivan's 147 came in the fourth frame of his match against Aussie Quinten Hann. It also took him into a 4-0 lead though just over an hour later, the world No.3 was fighting for survival. But after Hann struck the blue swerving out of a snooker, O'Sullivan cleared up to complete a 5-4 victory. O'Sullivan was still not comfortable with his game and said, "I care, but sometimes I feel like I don't care. "I was pleased to make the 147 but it only wins you a single frame, it's skill and craft that win matches and tournaments. This was an unbelievable game, the likes of which I have never been involved in before. "I felt it was going to go all the way when Quinten won the fifth frame. He can play snooker a bit and kept me in my seat for long periods which was so frustrating. I even changed to playing left handed because I enjoy matches more when I play that way. "In the end I didn't care whether I won or lost. It seemed to me it was going to be one of those days in which I was destined to lose." O'Sullivan who also had breaks of 68, 61, 59 and 56 added, "I felt mad out there, I didn't know what was happening, it was a crazy sort of match, quite incredible." His 147 was the 38th maximum on record, the 18th on TV, the ninth - six have been on television - this season and fourth this year. It was clocked at 6mins 40secs, the second fastest ever and gives O'Sullivan the three quickest on record. This break earned him GBP 5,000 plus a new car worth GBP 20,000. Together with his 147 at the Grand Prix in Preston last October, he now owned two new Vauxhall Vectra saloons. The maximum was also O'Sullivan's fourth in competition and the first time both the televised and non televised stages of any current ranking event had produced a 147, Glasgow's Stephen Maguire completing the first leg last week. But Hann, the world No.26 projected himself as being completely disillusioned with the game of snooker. "If I win I win, if I lose I lose. It's no big deal. "I hate this game with a passion. I hate coming to the tournaments. You only get out of the game what you put in, and my contribution was nothing for the last two years. "I knew at 4-4 something would happen and that I would lose. It's just the way the game goes. This tournament is OK but I didn't practice at all for it. I won't even pick up a cue again until I play my next match over here next season. I can't wait to come back and lose a match like that. I'm glad I've had the last six months off." Hann, because of sufferring a shattered wrist in a motorcycle racing accident on a circuit near Melbourne last October, only returned to the UK for the qualifying rounds of the Embassy world championship. He was beaten 10-9 by Stuart Bingham for a place at the Crucible. "I'll compete in the Australia superbike series when I get back home, I have entries for a couple of events. It's a bit of fun." O'Sullivan remarked, "If I was Quinten I would stay in Australia and race motorcycles. He's mad like me and seems to enjoy it. I would back him to be a winner. I like him. "Snooker is just a game to Quinten. He doesn't enjoy it so why be miserable over here."

Anthony Hamilton (Eng)	5-3	Chris Small (Sco)
A 4hrs.14 mins marathon fifth round match between Nottingham's Anthony Hamilton and Edinburgh's former Leith bank clerk Chris Small resulted in a 5-3 victory for the Englishman. Hamilton, the world No.10, won the 54 minutes final frame, one of four which took over half an hour to complete, and said, "It's nice to come against someone who's struggling a bit. Because players have been playing some very good stuff against me in early rounds this season."

Ken Doherty (Ire)	5-2	Gary Wilkinson (Eng)
Irishman Ken Doherty beat world No.29 Gary Wilkinson despite a pre-match accident. The world number seven walked into a glass door at a hotel in Aberdeen on Tuesday night. He sustained a bad cut to the bridge of his nose, and was lucky not to have required stitches. Despite his obvious discomfort and an early start to his match, he defeated Gary Wilkinson 5-2. The match had long spells of poor play, but Doherty did make two centuries, a 107 and a 118 as well as two breaks over fifty. "The game wasn't very good," said the Irishman, "Apart from the two century breaks it was very slow, but at least I won anyway." Regarding his injury he commented, "I was lucky the glass didn't break and that stitches weren't needed to repair a small cut on the bridge of my nose. But afterwards it did look as if I had done a few rounds with Mike Tyson."

Alan McManus (Sco)	4-5	Macro Fu (HK)
Hong Kong's Marco Fu had another long tussle with Alan McManus. It was the third time in three meetings that the pair went to a deciding ninth frame, and on each occasion Fu has led 4-1. Fu had breaks of 100, 58, 59 and 64 in building up his lead. When McManus turned up the heat, Fu showed great composure in dominating the final frame. "I'm just happy to go through, and just want to win," said Fu. "Even when he came back to 4-4 I felt good. Last year I lost a lot of deciding frames, but this year I've won a few." The Asian ace, having finished as the last match tonight, must now play first thing in tomorrow morning against Gary Ponting. McManus, who has had a bad season by his standards, was understandably disappointed. He said, "This season I've lost a lot of deciding frames, but I used to win a lot of them. You just need a bit of luck at the right time. "It would have been nice to win to have a couple more games ahead of Sheffield," added the Scot. "but I do feel good. I was convinced I was going to win tonight."

Peter Ebdon (Eng)	5-3	Dominic Dale (Wal)
World No.13 Peter Ebdon had to recover from 3-1 down by winning four successive frames including a total clearance of 135. It is a mini dress rehearsal of their Embassy world championship first round match which went to Ebdon's favour. He then drew inspiration from the world of music as he came from behind to beat Dale. "Bruce Springsteen once said that before he goes out on stage his hand start sweating, his heart is pounding and that he's really up for it. "Carly Simon said her hands sweat and her heart starts pounding but she feels as though she is having a panic at ack. "I was nervous but I was really up for it. That was as good a fighting performance as I've had recently. "I'm delighted with this performance. I fought hard all the way through."

FIFTH ROUNDS

Stephen Hendry (Sco) 2-5 Matthew Stevens (Wal)

Matthew Stevens got the better of local favourite and defending champion Stephen Hendry, winning 5-2.
It was an unhappy Hendry who left the granite city after losing in what was his last match before he defends his Embassy world championship in Sheffield.
"I made too many basic errors. I've done that more times this season than in my entire career and if it continues in Sheffield I won't retain that title either.
"It's the first time Matthew has beaten me for ages and while he is too good a player for this sort of result not to happen, I gave it to him.
"Carelessness is the problem and nothing else which means my concentration needs sharpening up before I go back to the Crucible. It was the same at this time last season and we all know what happened afterwards."
Hendry kicked off with a break of 102, his 46th century of the season, but didn't pot a ball for three frames as Stevens rolled home a 91, 72 and 86 to lead 3-1. The standard dipped after the interval and while Hendry had chances, he didn't take them.
"The standard in both halves was as different as night is from day. But I made the mistakes and got punished for them which is what happens at this level. I'll have a day after this defeat then go back to the practice table and prepare for Sheffield," he added.
Stevens, winner of the Regal and B&H Masters this season, remarked, "it's nice to get one over on him after five successive defeats, three of them in the past six months. I was a bit edgy towards the end but that's understandable when you haven't beaten someone since 1996."

Fergal O'Brien (Ire) 3-5 Graeme Dott (Sco)

Glasgow's Graeme Dott, runner-up to Stephen Hendry last year, won the last four frames to knock out Fergal O'Brien 5-3 in a last 16 contest. The turning point came at frame five as the Irishman went in off the pink while leading 3-1.
Avoid further holding up, the match was taken off at 4-3 to Dott and re-started after the completion of the Higgins-Ebdon match. Dott held his focus to complete the win.
The Scot said, "This has to be my favourite venue considering how well I have done here. I always seem to play to my best in Scotland.
"The turning point was frame five in which Fergal potted the pink only to go in-off. He would probably have gone on and won the match holding a 4-1 lead."
O'Brien, won the 1999 British Open, remarked, "It was a scrappy game today and neither of us played well. I had missed balls and misfortune, but it was just typical of the day I was having."
Despite the disappointing result, O'Brien is still looking forward to the Embassy World Championship. "It's my first time there going as a seed, and my provisional ranking isn't too shabby so I'm very happy," says the Irishman who went into the Regal Scottish provisionally number 10.
"I'm not scoring heavily enough at the moment, but I can't practise any more than I am. I just need to bring my practice form to the match table."
There has been much speculation about the length of time O'Brien's initial match will take, where he faces Leith's Chris Small.
"People have had their jokes about it, but I can't control my opponent's play," he says.
"Obviously if frames are being won in one visit they don't take too long, but scrappy games take longer for everyone.
"Hopefully I'll be feeling positive," smiles O'Brien. He travels to Sheffield a couple of days before the championship as he plays the first morning. "I like early morning play," he says, "I practise from 10am every day anyway."
Still looking for a second major title, O'Brien is in a good frame of mind. One major event is certain for him in the new season - his wife Jean is expecting a baby in the autumn.

Paul Davies (Wal) 1-5 Dave Harold (Eng)

Dave Harold advanced to the last eight with this victory over Paul Davies.
He built up a 4-0 lead including breaks of 59, 93 and 131. Although missing some balls in frame five, Harold wrapped the match up in the next.
"I'm probably playing my best snooker of the season," said Harold. "I worked really hard after the Regal Welsh and now it's paying off."

Mark J Williams (Wal) 5-4 Mark King (Eng)

Mark J Williams tightened his grip on the provisional world number one spot, but not without a struggle against Mark King. He recovered from 4-3 down to win the quarter-finals place.
King had several chances, and should have won the match. He missed a simple red to the centre in the final frame when 30-16 up which threw Williams a lifeline which he managed to grasp.
"I played all right in patches, but I probably should have been out," said Williams.

Anthony Hamilton (Eng) 5-2 Ken Doherty (Ire)

Irish hopes in the tournament were dashed with the departure of former world champion Ken Doherty. World No.10 Anthony Hamilton defeated Doherty 5-2 having led 4-1.
"I just wasn't tuned in today," said the former world champion, "I don't no why. There are no excuses."
Hamilton, who was runner up in the British Open at this time last year, was pleased to progress.
He said, "I've never seen Ken play that badly. I'm not playing too well yet but I'm getting sharper all the time."

Macro Fu (HK) 5-0 Gary Ponting (Eng)

Hong Kong's Marco Fu was the first player to reach the quarter-finals with a 93 minutes whitewash over Gary Ponting which included two consecutive centuries of 100 and 111.
Clearly unperturbed by playing the morning after his late finish against Alan McManus, Fu looked in flying form.
He said, "I slept very well. As long as I keep winning I don't really mind when I play.
"But this victory means I'll probably make it now to the top 16 and so even though I've got a tough game coming up I can relax."
Regarding to his next opponent, Fu expressed a preference to play John Higgins rather than Peter Ebdon before the two clashed later in the day.
"There is bound to be a good crowd watching and I'm sure the atmosphere will help me to raise my game."

Peter Ebdon (Eng) 1-5 John Higgins (Sco)

World No.1 John Higgins clinched a comfortable 5-1 victory over Peter Ebdon after lost seven of their previous nine encounters.
"He's given me a few hammerings so it's good to get one back," revealed Higgins.
He took a little longer than expected to win five frames out of six. The match lasted 134 minutes with the first frame, which Higgins won on the black, the longest of all of them with 40 minutes.
"It was important to get the first frame under my belt because had I lost it, the result might have been different. It would certainly have lifted Peter who I haven't got a particularly good record against," said Higgins who had breaks of 121, 63, 54 and 58.
"Peter can keep you away from the table for long periods and that's when your concentration has to be at his best."
The Scot who has yet to win a title on Scottish soil, added, "I would love to win this one just before going to Sheffield. My confidence is pretty high anyway having reached the quarters here and won the Irish Masters two weeks ago but to win another title as well would give me an even greater buzz."
His next round will be another contest with Hong Kong's Marco Fu. Fu beat Higgins 5-3 in the quarter-finals of the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix only six weeks ago.
Higgins said, "I wasn't at my best that day and I don't think Marco was as well so I'm sure it will be a bit different this time. I'm certainly looking forward to playing him again."
1993 Grand Prix champion, Ebdon, a 40-1 chance to win the Embassy world championship, remarked, "I'm really disappointed to have lost like this knowing how well I'm playing. While it was a bad day for me, it has no bearing at all on my chances at Sheffield."

Stephen Hendry (Sco)	2-5	Matthew Stevens (Wal)
Matthew Stevens got the better of local favourite and defending champion Stephen Hendry, winning 5-2. It was an unhappy Hendry who left the granite city after losing in what was his last match before he defends his Embassy world championship in Sheffield. "I made too many basic errors. I've done that more times this season than in my entire career and if it continues in Sheffield I won't retain that title either. "It's the first time Matthew has beaten me for ages and while he is too good a player for this sort of result not to happen, I gave it to him. "Carelessness is the problem and nothing else which means my concentration needs sharpening up before I go back to the Crucible. It was the same at this time last season and we all know what happened afterwards." Hendry kicked off with a break of 102, his 46th century of the season, but didn't pot a ball for three frames as Stevens rolled home a 91, 72 and 86 to lead 3-1. The standard dipped after the interval and while Hendry had chances, he didn't take them. "The standard in both halves was as different as night is from day. But I made the mistakes and got punished for them which is what happens at this level. I'll have a day after this defeat then go back to the practice table and prepare for Sheffield," he added. Stevens, winner of the Regal and B&H Masters this season, remarked, "it's nice to get one over on him after five successive defeats, three of them in the past six months. I was a bit edgy towards the end but that's understandable when you haven't beaten someone since 1996."

Fergal O'Brien (Ire)	3-5	Graeme Dott (Sco)
Glasgow's Graeme Dott, runner-up to Stephen Hendry last year, won the last four frames to knock out Fergal O'Brien 5-3 in a last 16 contest. The turning point came at frame five as the Irishman went in off the pink while leading 3-1. Avoid further holding up, the match was taken off at 4-3 to Dott and re-started after the completion of the Higgins-Ebdon match. Dott held his focus to complete the win. The Scot said, "This has to be my favourite venue considering how well I have done here. I always seem to play to my best in Scotland. "The turning point was frame five in which Fergal potted the pink only to go in-off. He would probably have gone on and won the match holding a 4-1 lead." O'Brien, won the 1999 British Open, remarked, "It was a scrappy game today and neither of us played well. I had missed balls and misfortune, but it was just typical of the day I was having." Despite the disappointing result, O'Brien is still looking forward to the Embassy World Championship. "It's my first time there going as a seed, and my provisional ranking isn't too shabby so I'm very happy," says the Irishman who went into the Regal Scottish provisionally number 10. "I'm not scoring heavily enough at the moment, but I can't practise any more than I am. I just need to bring my practice form to the match table." There has been much speculation about the length of time O'Brien's initial match will take, where he faces Leith's Chris Small. "People have had their jokes about it, but I can't control my opponent's play," he says. "Obviously if frames are being won in one visit they don't take too long, but scrappy games take longer for everyone. "Hopefully I'll be feeling positive," smiles O'Brien. He travels to Sheffield a couple of days before the championship as he plays the first morning. "I like early morning play," he says, "I practise from 10am every day anyway." Still looking for a second major title, O'Brien is in a good frame of mind. One major event is certain for him in the new season - his wife Jean is expecting a baby in the autumn.

Paul Davies (Wal)	1-5	Dave Harold (Eng)
Dave Harold advanced to the last eight with this victory over Paul Davies. He built up a 4-0 lead including breaks of 59, 93 and 131. Although missing some balls in frame five, Harold wrapped the match up in the next. "I'm probably playing my best snooker of the season," said Harold. "I worked really hard after the Regal Welsh and now it's paying off."

Mark J Williams (Wal)	5-4	Mark King (Eng)
Mark J Williams tightened his grip on the provisional world number one spot, but not without a struggle against Mark King. He recovered from 4-3 down to win the quarter-finals place. King had several chances, and should have won the match. He missed a simple red to the centre in the final frame when 30-16 up which threw Williams a lifeline which he managed to grasp. "I played all right in patches, but I probably should have been out," said Williams.

Anthony Hamilton (Eng)	5-2	Ken Doherty (Ire)
Irish hopes in the tournament were dashed with the departure of former world champion Ken Doherty. World No.10 Anthony Hamilton defeated Doherty 5-2 having led 4-1. "I just wasn't tuned in today," said the former world champion, "I don't no why. There are no excuses." Hamilton, who was runner up in the British Open at this time last year, was pleased to progress. He said, "I've never seen Ken play that badly. I'm not playing too well yet but I'm getting sharper all the time."

Macro Fu (HK)	5-0	Gary Ponting (Eng)
Hong Kong's Marco Fu was the first player to reach the quarter-finals with a 93 minutes whitewash over Gary Ponting which included two consecutive centuries of 100 and 111. Clearly unperturbed by playing the morning after his late finish against Alan McManus, Fu looked in flying form. He said, "I slept very well. As long as I keep winning I don't really mind when I play. "But this victory means I'll probably make it now to the top 16 and so even though I've got a tough game coming up I can relax." Regarding to his next opponent, Fu expressed a preference to play John Higgins rather than Peter Ebdon before the two clashed later in the day. "There is bound to be a good crowd watching and I'm sure the atmosphere will help me to raise my game."

Peter Ebdon (Eng)	1-5	John Higgins (Sco)
World No.1 John Higgins clinched a comfortable 5-1 victory over Peter Ebdon after lost seven of their previous nine encounters. "He's given me a few hammerings so it's good to get one back," revealed Higgins. He took a little longer than expected to win five frames out of six. The match lasted 134 minutes with the first frame, which Higgins won on the black, the longest of all of them with 40 minutes. "It was important to get the first frame under my belt because had I lost it, the result might have been different. It would certainly have lifted Peter who I haven't got a particularly good record against," said Higgins who had breaks of 121, 63, 54 and 58. "Peter can keep you away from the table for long periods and that's when your concentration has to be at his best." The Scot who has yet to win a title on Scottish soil, added, "I would love to win this one just before going to Sheffield. My confidence is pretty high anyway having reached the quarters here and won the Irish Masters two weeks ago but to win another title as well would give me an even greater buzz." His next round will be another contest with Hong Kong's Marco Fu. Fu beat Higgins 5-3 in the quarter-finals of the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix only six weeks ago. Higgins said, "I wasn't at my best that day and I don't think Marco was as well so I'm sure it will be a bit different this time. I'm certainly looking forward to playing him again." 1993 Grand Prix champion, Ebdon, a 40-1 chance to win the Embassy world championship, remarked, "I'm really disappointed to have lost like this knowing how well I'm playing. While it was a bad day for me, it has no bearing at all on my chances at Sheffield."

QUARTER FINALS

Matthew Stevens (Wal) 3-5 Graeme Dott (Sco)

Scores: 94-27 (54), 17-72, 44-64, 42-73, 32-77, 140-0 (140), 82-0, 17-66
Graeme Dott kept alive the possibility of a home win with a surprise victory over Matthew Stevens.
The Glaswegian led 4-1 and managed to stave off a fightback from the world No.9 to reach the semi-finals for the second year in succession.
Although Dott did not make any big breaks, he won the scrappy frames and held on for victory. A 140 total clearance in the sixth frame was the only real sign of form from the Welshman who last night defeated Stephen Hendry.
"Matthew's one of the best four or five players around at the moment, so to beat someone of that calibre is great," said Dott.
He admitted to feeling nervous towards the end of the match, "I knew he'd play well at some stage and tried not to panic too much. I thought I'd wait for my chance and just hope I didn't collapse when I got it.
"I've improved with every round," he added.

Dave Harold (Eng) 1-5 Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)

Scores: 48-70 (52), 54-62, 61-52, 4-93 (57), 23-81 (81), 15-125 (103)
Ronnie O'Sullivan recorded his easiest victory of the week, in contrast to all three successive 5-4 results beforehand.
The world No.4 was slightly happier with his form than he had been earlier in the week. "I was geed up for the match once I got to 3-1," he said. "The first four were a bit scrappy, but after the interval I felt all right out there."
Rocket Ronnie took only 83 minutes to reach the semi-finals but added, "As soon as it becomes major work, I'll hang the cue up. I wouldn't want to be outside the top eight."
He then paid tribute to the large crowds who come to see him play at every venue, "It's nice to go out and play in front of a crowd. I feel like I need that kind of atmosphere to play I match," he said.
"If there wasn't a good crowd I'm sure I would feel flat. Seeing plenty of people out there makes me want to play well and get big breaks.
"The Scottish crowds appreciate their snooker and I appreciate them. I hope that the crowds don't desert me, as then I might not want to win a match."
He also paid tribute to new world No.1, Mark Williams, "Mark's won more tournaments than most of us and it just shows how much more consistent he's been than the rest. He deserves to be there and every credit to him."
A dejected Dave Harold was left feeling like he hadn't competed. "I don't feel as if I've been involved in a match. Ronnie is hard enough to beat without the running going against you as well."

Mark J Williams (Wal) 5-2 Anthony Hamilton (Eng)

Scores: 6-126 (105), 70-47, 25-89 (72), 103-0 (66), 59-49, 70-21 (65), 73-50 (65)
Mark J Williams is snooker's official new No. One for next season thanks to this 5-2 quarter-final victory over Anthony Hamilton.
After John Higgins lost his place to Macro Fu and the early exit of Stephen Hendry, Williams will be the first Welshman since Ray Reardon during the 1982-83 season, to top the world rankings.
And the first person he telephoned with the news of his coveted ranking was Hendry, perhaps one of his closest friend on the circuit.
Williams' mobile was switched off during the match but in a recorded message, left the world champion in no doubt as to his feelings.
"This has taken all the pressure off me for the rest of the season. Now I can concentrate on winning here and in Sheffield. I don't know whether this is better than being world champion because I have never won at the Crucible but it's a great feeling.
"I used to dream of being world No.1 when I was a lot younger and now I've achieved it, I'm over the moon."
"It's reward for all the hard work I've put in throughout the season. I'm really proud of myself for sustaining my form all year."
However it was not easy at all as the Welshman went 2-1 down at the early stage, but with a higher gear helped him won four frame in a row to clinch the double victory.
"I'm not doing anything special, it was just a solid, determined performance today," he said. "I try 120% every game and as long as I win it doesn't matter how I get there.
Williams, 25-year-old who has won the UK championship and Thailand Masters this season and will now face Macro Fu for a place in the final, added, "Marco played exceptionally well to beat John and if he continues like that against me, I will have to perform well to beat him."

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

Scores: 70-8 (62), 51-67 (51 Fu), 101-9, 69-72 (69 Fu), 108-16 (107), 92-0 (92), 22-78 (72), 73-8 (54)
John Higgins, beaten 5-3 by Marco Fu in the last 16 of the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix six weeks ago, again failed on the same scoreline to the 22-year-old from Hong Kong in this quarter-final contest.
More important, this defeat finally cost him his No.1 ranking for a third successive season.
"The best man won again, Marco played very well," said Higgins.
"I didn't really feel as if I was in the game, I was always chasing his coat tails. I missed some shots due to poor concentration and one or two were bad ones.
"As for Sheffield, I'll have an extra day or two to complete my prepartions though ideally I would rather have still been in contention here."
Higgins, the B&H Irish Masters champion, added, "I think now that you have to put Marco in with a serious chance of winning the Embassy world championship. He has all the qualities to do well at the Crucible."
But there was though a different view point from Fu. "If I keep up this sort of standard I have a chance of winning here but Sheffield is different proposition.
"The concentration and consistency has to be spot on for 17 days and while I'm looking forward to the experience, it's going to be tough," said the World No.35 who jumps into the top 16 next season and plays Anthony Hamilton at the Crucible.
"Everyone says John isn't having a good season but he has won three titles which is something no-one else has done. I've also beaten the world No.1 in style which is what is important to me," added Fu who had a century break of 107.

Matthew Stevens (Wal)	3-5	Graeme Dott (Sco)
Scores: 94-27 (54), 17-72, 44-64, 42-73, 32-77, 140-0 (140), 82-0, 17-66 Graeme Dott kept alive the possibility of a home win with a surprise victory over Matthew Stevens. The Glaswegian led 4-1 and managed to stave off a fightback from the world No.9 to reach the semi-finals for the second year in succession. Although Dott did not make any big breaks, he won the scrappy frames and held on for victory. A 140 total clearance in the sixth frame was the only real sign of form from the Welshman who last night defeated Stephen Hendry. "Matthew's one of the best four or five players around at the moment, so to beat someone of that calibre is great," said Dott. He admitted to feeling nervous towards the end of the match, "I knew he'd play well at some stage and tried not to panic too much. I thought I'd wait for my chance and just hope I didn't collapse when I got it. "I've improved with every round," he added.

Dave Harold (Eng)	1-5	Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)
Scores: 48-70 (52), 54-62, 61-52, 4-93 (57), 23-81 (81), 15-125 (103) Ronnie O'Sullivan recorded his easiest victory of the week, in contrast to all three successive 5-4 results beforehand. The world No.4 was slightly happier with his form than he had been earlier in the week. "I was geed up for the match once I got to 3-1," he said. "The first four were a bit scrappy, but after the interval I felt all right out there." Rocket Ronnie took only 83 minutes to reach the semi-finals but added, "As soon as it becomes major work, I'll hang the cue up. I wouldn't want to be outside the top eight." He then paid tribute to the large crowds who come to see him play at every venue, "It's nice to go out and play in front of a crowd. I feel like I need that kind of atmosphere to play I match," he said. "If there wasn't a good crowd I'm sure I would feel flat. Seeing plenty of people out there makes me want to play well and get big breaks. "The Scottish crowds appreciate their snooker and I appreciate them. I hope that the crowds don't desert me, as then I might not want to win a match." He also paid tribute to new world No.1, Mark Williams, "Mark's won more tournaments than most of us and it just shows how much more consistent he's been than the rest. He deserves to be there and every credit to him." A dejected Dave Harold was left feeling like he hadn't competed. "I don't feel as if I've been involved in a match. Ronnie is hard enough to beat without the running going against you as well."

Mark J Williams (Wal)	5-2	Anthony Hamilton (Eng)
Scores: 6-126 (105), 70-47, 25-89 (72), 103-0 (66), 59-49, 70-21 (65), 73-50 (65) Mark J Williams is snooker's official new No. One for next season thanks to this 5-2 quarter-final victory over Anthony Hamilton. After John Higgins lost his place to Macro Fu and the early exit of Stephen Hendry, Williams will be the first Welshman since Ray Reardon during the 1982-83 season, to top the world rankings. And the first person he telephoned with the news of his coveted ranking was Hendry, perhaps one of his closest friend on the circuit. Williams' mobile was switched off during the match but in a recorded message, left the world champion in no doubt as to his feelings. "This has taken all the pressure off me for the rest of the season. Now I can concentrate on winning here and in Sheffield. I don't know whether this is better than being world champion because I have never won at the Crucible but it's a great feeling. "I used to dream of being world No.1 when I was a lot younger and now I've achieved it, I'm over the moon." "It's reward for all the hard work I've put in throughout the season. I'm really proud of myself for sustaining my form all year." However it was not easy at all as the Welshman went 2-1 down at the early stage, but with a higher gear helped him won four frame in a row to clinch the double victory. "I'm not doing anything special, it was just a solid, determined performance today," he said. "I try 120% every game and as long as I win it doesn't matter how I get there. Williams, 25-year-old who has won the UK championship and Thailand Masters this season and will now face Macro Fu for a place in the final, added, "Marco played exceptionally well to beat John and if he continues like that against me, I will have to perform well to beat him."

Macro Fu (HK)	5-3	John Higgins (Sco)
Scores: 70-8 (62), 51-67 (51 Fu), 101-9, 69-72 (69 Fu), 108-16 (107), 92-0 (92), 22-78 (72), 73-8 (54) John Higgins, beaten 5-3 by Marco Fu in the last 16 of the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix six weeks ago, again failed on the same scoreline to the 22-year-old from Hong Kong in this quarter-final contest. More important, this defeat finally cost him his No.1 ranking for a third successive season. "The best man won again, Marco played very well," said Higgins. "I didn't really feel as if I was in the game, I was always chasing his coat tails. I missed some shots due to poor concentration and one or two were bad ones. "As for Sheffield, I'll have an extra day or two to complete my prepartions though ideally I would rather have still been in contention here." Higgins, the B&H Irish Masters champion, added, "I think now that you have to put Marco in with a serious chance of winning the Embassy world championship. He has all the qualities to do well at the Crucible." But there was though a different view point from Fu. "If I keep up this sort of standard I have a chance of winning here but Sheffield is different proposition. "The concentration and consistency has to be spot on for 17 days and while I'm looking forward to the experience, it's going to be tough," said the World No.35 who jumps into the top 16 next season and plays Anthony Hamilton at the Crucible. "Everyone says John isn't having a good season but he has won three titles which is something no-one else has done. I've also beaten the world No.1 in style which is what is important to me," added Fu who had a century break of 107.

SEMI FINALS

Graeme Dott (Sco) 5-6 Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)

Scores: 87-0, 55-40, 70-59 (55 O'Sullivan), 68-23, 13-95 (89), 6-89, 63-74, 7-91 (56), 39-64, 62-51, 0-132 (76)
Ronnie O'Sullivan staged a magnificent fightback to beat Graeme Dott 6-5 and go through to a final showdown with Mark J Williams. It was the fourth out of five this week that the World No.4 won an one-frame victory.
Dott raced into a 4-0 lead thanks to some extraordinary errors and bizarre choices of shot from O'Sullivan. But there was a different tune as Sullican pulled back five frames in a row after the interval.
As they both missed some crucial balls, the Scot, having an excellent opportunity to lead 5-2, missed a simple red with the rest.
He said afterwards, "He didn't give me that many chances, but I'm still devastated to have lost. I must be the worst player in the world with the rest, that red was impossible to miss.
"Though I've had a good run here for the past two years that's no consolation and now i've got to get my head right for the world championship."
"I just had to play my shots with a bit of care and give myself a chance," said O'Sullivan of his post-interval match plan. "I'm looking forward to the final, but realistically I am lucky to still be here."

Mark J Williams (Wal) 6-5 Macro Fu (HK)

Scores: 13-69, 56-44, 9-70 (70), 0-127 (126), 61-5, 68-52, 5-80 (80), 41-63, 76-34 (56), 70-0 (67), 120-0 (109)
Mark J Williams just showed how worthy he will be for the sport's top spot next season as he completed a remarkable fightback to see off Hong Kong's Marco Fu.
The Welshman, 5-3 down and 34-0 behind in the ninth frame, pounced after Fu had missed an easy red into a middle pocket. He took two frames and forced the decider where he wrapped up victory with a clearance to the pink of 109.
This victory leads Williams into his sixth final of the season while those previous appearances added up his UK Championship, Thailand Masters as well as the new World No.1 title.
"He outplayed me for the first four frames and I was lucky to win one of them. I couldn't believe it when he missed that red, it look nailed on," said Williams.
"I played my best stuff afterwards but I never give up anyway until I shake an opponent's hand at the end. I dug in and made two great breaks under pressure. It gives me so much satisfaction to win a match like this.
"Marco potted more balls than I did and played well but I still scraped through."
The 22-year-old Fu, compiled his sixth century of the week of 126 in frame four, remarked, "I had a good chance to win 6-3 and messed it up. Mark was brilliant at the end, I have never seen potting that good under pressure. All credit to him.
"I have beaten some good players, and almost beat another one today. I was happy with the way I played in the tournament and I'm looking forward to Sheffield."

Graeme Dott (Sco)	5-6	Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)
Scores: 87-0, 55-40, 70-59 (55 O'Sullivan), 68-23, 13-95 (89), 6-89, 63-74, 7-91 (56), 39-64, 62-51, 0-132 (76) Ronnie O'Sullivan staged a magnificent fightback to beat Graeme Dott 6-5 and go through to a final showdown with Mark J Williams. It was the fourth out of five this week that the World No.4 won an one-frame victory. Dott raced into a 4-0 lead thanks to some extraordinary errors and bizarre choices of shot from O'Sullivan. But there was a different tune as Sullican pulled back five frames in a row after the interval. As they both missed some crucial balls, the Scot, having an excellent opportunity to lead 5-2, missed a simple red with the rest. He said afterwards, "He didn't give me that many chances, but I'm still devastated to have lost. I must be the worst player in the world with the rest, that red was impossible to miss. "Though I've had a good run here for the past two years that's no consolation and now i've got to get my head right for the world championship." "I just had to play my shots with a bit of care and give myself a chance," said O'Sullivan of his post-interval match plan. "I'm looking forward to the final, but realistically I am lucky to still be here."

Mark J Williams (Wal)	6-5	Macro Fu (HK)
Scores: 13-69, 56-44, 9-70 (70), 0-127 (126), 61-5, 68-52, 5-80 (80), 41-63, 76-34 (56), 70-0 (67), 120-0 (109) Mark J Williams just showed how worthy he will be for the sport's top spot next season as he completed a remarkable fightback to see off Hong Kong's Marco Fu. The Welshman, 5-3 down and 34-0 behind in the ninth frame, pounced after Fu had missed an easy red into a middle pocket. He took two frames and forced the decider where he wrapped up victory with a clearance to the pink of 109. This victory leads Williams into his sixth final of the season while those previous appearances added up his UK Championship, Thailand Masters as well as the new World No.1 title. "He outplayed me for the first four frames and I was lucky to win one of them. I couldn't believe it when he missed that red, it look nailed on," said Williams. "I played my best stuff afterwards but I never give up anyway until I shake an opponent's hand at the end. I dug in and made two great breaks under pressure. It gives me so much satisfaction to win a match like this. "Marco potted more balls than I did and played well but I still scraped through." The 22-year-old Fu, compiled his sixth century of the week of 126 in frame four, remarked, "I had a good chance to win 6-3 and messed it up. Mark was brilliant at the end, I have never seen potting that good under pressure. All credit to him. "I have beaten some good players, and almost beat another one today. I was happy with the way I played in the tournament and I'm looking forward to Sheffield."

FINAL

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 9-1 Mark J Williams (Wal)

Scores: 75-68 (68 Williams, 67 O'Sullivan), 85-5 (65), 69-0, 75-13, 65-53, 24-69 (60), 76-48 (67), 79-32 (69), 71-0 (57), 94-1 (58)
Ronnie O'Sullivan fired a warning to his world-title rivals in another one-sided final. He destroyed snooker's new No.1 Mark J Williams 9-1 to become Regal Scottish Open champion for the second time in three years.
But he refused to go overboard about his chances for the Crucible Theatre. "If I keep my discipline I will be in with a shout at Sheffield," he said. "But I don't want to put too much emphasis on it."
"We all want to become world champion and I'm no different. There are six or seven players in with a chance and it's who plays best over the 17 days.
"It would be a dream come true for me just to be around on the last two days because I've lost three times in the semi-finals."
It was the third 9-1 victory in four seasons since the event was first held in 1983. Stephen Hendry, in 1997, defeating Tony Drago and repeating the scoreline against Graeme Dott last year.
O'Sullivan who has now won eight ranking events, two this season, took only 138 minutes to reach the winning post.
UK champion Williams never recovered from losing the opening frame on a respotted black after leading 68-1. He went on to lose four frames in a row before opening an acount but these were only false promises as O'Sullivan went further and further ahead.
Having led 7-1 following the afternoon session, O'Sullivan took just over 17 minutes to close out the match.
He was truly delighted with his win and said, "I just want to enjoy this moment and not think about the world championship too much right now. I had a bad season last year and wanted to make up for it this year.
"The final was a lot easier than I thought it would be. It wasn't the best of finals, but I managed to nick all the close frames that could have gone either way and that was the difference."
O'Sullivan also paid tribute to Derek Hill, his coach and friend who has worked with him during the tournament, "I couldn't wish to have anyone better in my corner," he said, "Every time I go back to Del, I seem to win a tournament."
The Englishman took home �62,000 prize money as well as the �5,000 highest break prize and Vauxhall car for his 147 in the last 32.
Williams, who was beaten 9-3 by Ken Doherty in the final of the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix six weeks ago, said, "I'm trying to work out which was my worst performance, here or there. At one point it looked as if I might get whitewashed.
"Actually I'm getting used to playing stuff like this. If it's the same again at Sheffield, I have no chance of winning the world title though I might get to the final.
"The first frame was a big one but it had no bearing on the result. I suppose I should be glad to have reached the final and to get to No.1 on the world rankings."

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)	9-1	Mark J Williams (Wal)
Scores: 75-68 (68 Williams, 67 O'Sullivan), 85-5 (65), 69-0, 75-13, 65-53, 24-69 (60), 76-48 (67), 79-32 (69), 71-0 (57), 94-1 (58) Ronnie O'Sullivan fired a warning to his world-title rivals in another one-sided final. He destroyed snooker's new No.1 Mark J Williams 9-1 to become Regal Scottish Open champion for the second time in three years. But he refused to go overboard about his chances for the Crucible Theatre. "If I keep my discipline I will be in with a shout at Sheffield," he said. "But I don't want to put too much emphasis on it." "We all want to become world champion and I'm no different. There are six or seven players in with a chance and it's who plays best over the 17 days. "It would be a dream come true for me just to be around on the last two days because I've lost three times in the semi-finals." It was the third 9-1 victory in four seasons since the event was first held in 1983. Stephen Hendry, in 1997, defeating Tony Drago and repeating the scoreline against Graeme Dott last year. O'Sullivan who has now won eight ranking events, two this season, took only 138 minutes to reach the winning post. UK champion Williams never recovered from losing the opening frame on a respotted black after leading 68-1. He went on to lose four frames in a row before opening an acount but these were only false promises as O'Sullivan went further and further ahead. Having led 7-1 following the afternoon session, O'Sullivan took just over 17 minutes to close out the match. He was truly delighted with his win and said, "I just want to enjoy this moment and not think about the world championship too much right now. I had a bad season last year and wanted to make up for it this year. "The final was a lot easier than I thought it would be. It wasn't the best of finals, but I managed to nick all the close frames that could have gone either way and that was the difference." O'Sullivan also paid tribute to Derek Hill, his coach and friend who has worked with him during the tournament, "I couldn't wish to have anyone better in my corner," he said, "Every time I go back to Del, I seem to win a tournament." The Englishman took home �62,000 prize money as well as the �5,000 highest break prize and Vauxhall car for his 147 in the last 32. Williams, who was beaten 9-3 by Ken Doherty in the final of the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix six weeks ago, said, "I'm trying to work out which was my worst performance, here or there. At one point it looked as if I might get whitewashed. "Actually I'm getting used to playing stuff like this. If it's the same again at Sheffield, I have no chance of winning the world title though I might get to the final. "The first frame was a big one but it had no bearing on the result. I suppose I should be glad to have reached the final and to get to No.1 on the world rankings."

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