CWY Snooker House

Detail Reports

SECOND ROUNDS

Joe Johnson (Eng) 5-4 Barry Pinches (Eng)

Another maximum break, in the space of 48 hours follows Stephen Hendry's televised maximum in the British Open final, was compiled by Barry Pinches during the second round match.
It is the 31st maximum break in professional competition and the third refereed by Peter Williamson of Liverpool in 1999.
But the 147 didn't save Pinches, ranked 113, from defeat. The maximum came in the first frame but he was beaten 5-4 by Joe Johnson who goes forward to the final stages in Cardiff in January when he faces Steve Davis.
The auld rivals met both in 1986 and 87 world championship finals. Johnson won the former one but lost to Davis 12 months later.
Pinches, a 29 year old from Norwich, also recorded a break of 132 and Johnson replied with a 120 before sealing victory in a scrappy deciding frame.

Joe Johnson (Eng)	5-4	Barry Pinches (Eng)
Another maximum break, in the space of 48 hours follows Stephen Hendry's televised maximum in the British Open final, was compiled by Barry Pinches during the second round match. It is the 31st maximum break in professional competition and the third refereed by Peter Williamson of Liverpool in 1999. But the 147 didn't save Pinches, ranked 113, from defeat. The maximum came in the first frame but he was beaten 5-4 by Joe Johnson who goes forward to the final stages in Cardiff in January when he faces Steve Davis. The auld rivals met both in 1986 and 87 world championship finals. Johnson won the former one but lost to Davis 12 months later. Pinches, a 29 year old from Norwich, also recorded a break of 132 and Johnson replied with a 120 before sealing victory in a scrappy deciding frame.

THIRD ROUNDS

Paul Hunter (Eng) 5-2 Shokat Ali (Pak)

Former champion Paul Hunter renewed his love affair with the Regal Welsh in Cardiff by reaching the fourth round with a high-quality performance.
The world No.12 said: "It's been a good tournament for me in the past and it would be nice to have another long run but I'll have to play better later on."

Stephen Lee (Eng) 5-4 David Gray (Eng)

Stephen Lee attacked tournament organisers after being made to play during the morning session of the Regal Welsh Open having been involved in the Nations Cup final in Reading just 24 hours ago.
Lee came from 3-1 and 4-3 down to beat David Gray 5-4 but was bitterly disappointed in the decision to put him on a 10am start.
He said: "A letter has gone to the WPBSA to say that we think this is ridiculous. I feel as if I'm being picked on because this is not the first time it has happened. They should be spread around more among the top players."
Mark Williams, who hammered Alfie Burden 5-0 in 56 minutes, making breaks of 136 and 131, sympathised with Lee's sentiments.
He said: "It's wrong and unfair to Stephen. It can't have been that difficult to change the time of the match."
Nigel Oldfield, of the WPBSA, said: "With hindsight, it was wrong that Stephen Lee played in the morning. The situation should not have occurred."

Graeme Dott (Sco) 5-2 Mick Price (Eng)

Glasgow's Graeme Dott whose career reached its lowest point in the same event a year ago, now will face Stephen Lee in the last 32.
He said, "Two weeks ago I lost in Newport in the qualifying rounds of the Thailand Masters and Rothmans Malta Grand Prix. I was terrible in both matches and I can't remember playing so badly even as an amateur.
"I practised hard before coming here and got the result I wanted which was important if I'm to get in the top 16 next season.
"I had quite a good chance before playing in those two overseas events but now I'm not so sure. It could all boil down to what happens at the world championship later in the season."
Dott had breaks of 59 and 51 but the highest of the match came from Price, a 112 in frame six.

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 5-0 Paul Wykes (Eng)

Ronnie O'Sullivan was in inspired form as he beat Paul Wykes in only 48 minutes, the tenth fastest best of nine frame match in ranking tournament history.
O'Sullivan fired in breaks of 50, 141 total clearance, 90, 53 and 66 during a blitz of scoring achieved playing both right and left-handed.
He said: "Playing left-handed is like pulling the trigger on a gun. It's almost like cheating if you're struggling to play right-handed.
"I love playing left-handed and it makes me more confident to know I can utilise it when I want to."
He was instoppable and scored 329 points before Wykes potted a ball.

John Higgins (Sco) 5-3 Anthony Davies (Wal)

World No.1 John Higgins won a classic encounter with Anthony Davies.
Higgins compiled breaks of 132 and 104 to lead 3-0, was caught at 3-3 when Davies, the world no.80, made 131 and 100 breaks. But Higgins safely won the last two and now meets Stuart Bingham, who beat him 5-4 in last year's event.
Higgins said: "It is going to be tough against Stuart, especially as the outside tables are such a great leveller."

John Parrott (Eng) 3-5 Drew Henry (Sco)

John Parrott was brought back down to earth just two days after leading England to the Nations Cup as he fell down at the first hurdle.
Parrott made breakds of 137 and 124 against Drew Henry but was not enough to prevent the defeat.
World No.5 said, "I'm hitting the ball quite well but anything that can go wrong is going wrong."

Tony Drago (Mal) 5-1 Noppadon Noppachorn (Thai)

Tony Drago took only 82 minutes to win a victory over Thailand's Noppadon Noppachorn.
The Maltese who had breaks of 135 in the fifth frame said, "Though one semi-final appearance could get me into the top 16 again, I'm not thinking about my ranking anymore.
"I'm just going out to enjoy myself. That's when I'm more dangerous because auto pilot works well for me." He will be practising at the 147 club in Hamrun when he prepares for the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix next month.

Stephen Hendry (Sco) 3-5 Jason Ferguson (Eng)

Jason Ferguson pulled off one of the shocks of the season when he sent seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry crashing out of the Regal Welsh.
The 30 year old Nottinghamshire professional, who so nearly eliminated Hendry in the last 64 of the UK championship at Bournemouth eight weeks ago, finally won it. He dedicated the success to his two-month old son Elliott.
Ferguson, who became a father for the first time at that same day, led Hendry 8-5 before being pipped at the post 9-8. He also led 6-3 in the first round of the 1996 Embassy world championship before losing 10-8.
But while Hendry this time led 3-2, Ferguson fought back to win 5-3.
Defeat was another blow to Hendry's hopes of regaining pole position on the rankings next season having been at No.1 for a record eight years during the 1990's.
In fact he has dismissed his chances of overtaking Mark Williams and said, "I can forget it, I'm losing too many first round matches while Mark and John Higgins are not. This has been a problem for me for three or four years. It's become horrendous.
"It's the one major downside that I've had in recent seasons," added Hendry who compiled the two highest breaks of the match, a 111 and 73.
Records show that Hendry in the past two and a half seasons has now lost five times in the last 64 of a world ranking event which is the point where the top seeds join the action.
Hendry paid tribute to his opponent, "I can't have any complaints because Jason played out of his skin today. He won the match, I didn't lose it.
Ferguson, who lost to Hendry in all five of their previous career meetings, said, "It's nice to get over the line against someone as good as Stephen. I've been close a couple of times before only to let him off the hook. Watch the way Stephen plays, I couldn't help wondering if he could escape again.
"But this was a different day and a different match, that's the way I had to treat it before we started.
"I suppose this is the most satisfying result of my career but now is the time to refocus for the next round," added Ferguson who just took over as vice-chairman of the players ruling body, the WPBSA, nine days ago.

Paul Hunter (Eng)	5-2	Shokat Ali (Pak)
Former champion Paul Hunter renewed his love affair with the Regal Welsh in Cardiff by reaching the fourth round with a high-quality performance. The world No.12 said: "It's been a good tournament for me in the past and it would be nice to have another long run but I'll have to play better later on."

Stephen Lee (Eng)	5-4	David Gray (Eng)
Stephen Lee attacked tournament organisers after being made to play during the morning session of the Regal Welsh Open having been involved in the Nations Cup final in Reading just 24 hours ago. Lee came from 3-1 and 4-3 down to beat David Gray 5-4 but was bitterly disappointed in the decision to put him on a 10am start. He said: "A letter has gone to the WPBSA to say that we think this is ridiculous. I feel as if I'm being picked on because this is not the first time it has happened. They should be spread around more among the top players." Mark Williams, who hammered Alfie Burden 5-0 in 56 minutes, making breaks of 136 and 131, sympathised with Lee's sentiments. He said: "It's wrong and unfair to Stephen. It can't have been that difficult to change the time of the match." Nigel Oldfield, of the WPBSA, said: "With hindsight, it was wrong that Stephen Lee played in the morning. The situation should not have occurred."

Graeme Dott (Sco)	5-2	Mick Price (Eng)
Glasgow's Graeme Dott whose career reached its lowest point in the same event a year ago, now will face Stephen Lee in the last 32. He said, "Two weeks ago I lost in Newport in the qualifying rounds of the Thailand Masters and Rothmans Malta Grand Prix. I was terrible in both matches and I can't remember playing so badly even as an amateur. "I practised hard before coming here and got the result I wanted which was important if I'm to get in the top 16 next season. "I had quite a good chance before playing in those two overseas events but now I'm not so sure. It could all boil down to what happens at the world championship later in the season." Dott had breaks of 59 and 51 but the highest of the match came from Price, a 112 in frame six.

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)	5-0	Paul Wykes (Eng)
Ronnie O'Sullivan was in inspired form as he beat Paul Wykes in only 48 minutes, the tenth fastest best of nine frame match in ranking tournament history. O'Sullivan fired in breaks of 50, 141 total clearance, 90, 53 and 66 during a blitz of scoring achieved playing both right and left-handed. He said: "Playing left-handed is like pulling the trigger on a gun. It's almost like cheating if you're struggling to play right-handed. "I love playing left-handed and it makes me more confident to know I can utilise it when I want to." He was instoppable and scored 329 points before Wykes potted a ball.

John Higgins (Sco)	5-3	Anthony Davies (Wal)
World No.1 John Higgins won a classic encounter with Anthony Davies. Higgins compiled breaks of 132 and 104 to lead 3-0, was caught at 3-3 when Davies, the world no.80, made 131 and 100 breaks. But Higgins safely won the last two and now meets Stuart Bingham, who beat him 5-4 in last year's event. Higgins said: "It is going to be tough against Stuart, especially as the outside tables are such a great leveller."

John Parrott (Eng)	3-5	Drew Henry (Sco)
John Parrott was brought back down to earth just two days after leading England to the Nations Cup as he fell down at the first hurdle. Parrott made breakds of 137 and 124 against Drew Henry but was not enough to prevent the defeat. World No.5 said, "I'm hitting the ball quite well but anything that can go wrong is going wrong."

Tony Drago (Mal)	5-1	Noppadon Noppachorn (Thai)
Tony Drago took only 82 minutes to win a victory over Thailand's Noppadon Noppachorn. The Maltese who had breaks of 135 in the fifth frame said, "Though one semi-final appearance could get me into the top 16 again, I'm not thinking about my ranking anymore. "I'm just going out to enjoy myself. That's when I'm more dangerous because auto pilot works well for me." He will be practising at the 147 club in Hamrun when he prepares for the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix next month.

Stephen Hendry (Sco)	3-5	Jason Ferguson (Eng)
Jason Ferguson pulled off one of the shocks of the season when he sent seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry crashing out of the Regal Welsh. The 30 year old Nottinghamshire professional, who so nearly eliminated Hendry in the last 64 of the UK championship at Bournemouth eight weeks ago, finally won it. He dedicated the success to his two-month old son Elliott. Ferguson, who became a father for the first time at that same day, led Hendry 8-5 before being pipped at the post 9-8. He also led 6-3 in the first round of the 1996 Embassy world championship before losing 10-8. But while Hendry this time led 3-2, Ferguson fought back to win 5-3. Defeat was another blow to Hendry's hopes of regaining pole position on the rankings next season having been at No.1 for a record eight years during the 1990's. In fact he has dismissed his chances of overtaking Mark Williams and said, "I can forget it, I'm losing too many first round matches while Mark and John Higgins are not. This has been a problem for me for three or four years. It's become horrendous. "It's the one major downside that I've had in recent seasons," added Hendry who compiled the two highest breaks of the match, a 111 and 73. Records show that Hendry in the past two and a half seasons has now lost five times in the last 64 of a world ranking event which is the point where the top seeds join the action. Hendry paid tribute to his opponent, "I can't have any complaints because Jason played out of his skin today. He won the match, I didn't lose it. Ferguson, who lost to Hendry in all five of their previous career meetings, said, "It's nice to get over the line against someone as good as Stephen. I've been close a couple of times before only to let him off the hook. Watch the way Stephen plays, I couldn't help wondering if he could escape again. "But this was a different day and a different match, that's the way I had to treat it before we started. "I suppose this is the most satisfying result of my career but now is the time to refocus for the next round," added Ferguson who just took over as vice-chairman of the players ruling body, the WPBSA, nine days ago.

FOURTH ROUNDS

Marco Fu (HK) 5-0 Leigh Griffin (Eng)

Marco Fu produced a deadly display of potting and break-building to become the first man to reach the last 16 of the Regal Welsh.
Fu compiled a series of sizeable breaks including break of 100 in the second frame during a 5-0 demolition job on Leigh Griffin to continue his impressive start to the first world ranking tournament of the New Year.
The 22-year-old Hong Kong star said: "It's nice to start the match with a couple of big breaks because it gets your confidence going straight away.
"I have to rely on scoring heavily because my safety game is not the best in the world although I'm trying to work on it.
"Leigh was missing a few balls but I had him under pressure right from the start. I let the match slip a bit towards the end but I'm still pleased with the overall performance."

Steve Davis (Eng) 4-5 Ryan Day (Wal)

Steve Davis suffered an astonishing defeats of his 22 year professional career when he was beaten 5-4 by rookie pretender Ryan Day in the last 32.
Six-times world champion Davis had led 4-0 but the 19-year-old former welsh amateur champion bounced back to the delight of the partisan crowd to record the unlikely victory.
A stunned Day said: "I simply can't believe it - the result is incredible.
"I had a lot of supporters and with Steve 4-0 in front, I just wanted to win a frame or two for them.
"Steve didn't miss a ball in the first four frames to give me any chance at all but I knew if I got them that I was good enough to take them and that's what happens," said Day who scored only 30 points in the first four frames.
"Steve is a legend and he could have beaten me 5-0 but when he eventually gave me a chance , a break of 60 got me going.
"It was the biggest match I was ever going to play before it even started and to win is unbelievable.
"Previously the biggest game of my life was yesterday and when I got home, I slept like a log so I didn't have to think about playing Steve at the time," added the young boy from Bridgend whose next opponent is the world No.1 John Higgins.
Davis, dazed by what the teenager had done, remarked, "I don't remember this happening to me before but until you have won the frame that takes you over the winning line, it doesn't matter what the score is.
"I had never heard of Ryan before I knew he was my opponent but while I probably played as well as I have done for a long time before the interval, I didn't play well enough to win the remaining frames.
"If you don't make a winning break you have to rely on what happens afterwards," added the former world champion who recorded a century break of 127.

James Wattana (Thai) 5-2 Jason Ferguson (Eng)

Jason Ferguson, on cloud nine yesterday, brought back down to earth by James Wattana today.
Ferguson had been responsible for the shock 5-3 first round exit of seven-times Embassy World Champion Stephen Hendry but failed to reproduce that form against the Thai.
Ferguson said: "The top players know how to concentrate in every match whereas I struggled today.
"I found it difficult to get myself back together after what happened in the previous round so it's disappointing."

Marco Fu (HK)	5-0	Leigh Griffin (Eng)
Marco Fu produced a deadly display of potting and break-building to become the first man to reach the last 16 of the Regal Welsh. Fu compiled a series of sizeable breaks including break of 100 in the second frame during a 5-0 demolition job on Leigh Griffin to continue his impressive start to the first world ranking tournament of the New Year. The 22-year-old Hong Kong star said: "It's nice to start the match with a couple of big breaks because it gets your confidence going straight away. "I have to rely on scoring heavily because my safety game is not the best in the world although I'm trying to work on it. "Leigh was missing a few balls but I had him under pressure right from the start. I let the match slip a bit towards the end but I'm still pleased with the overall performance."

Steve Davis (Eng)	4-5	Ryan Day (Wal)
Steve Davis suffered an astonishing defeats of his 22 year professional career when he was beaten 5-4 by rookie pretender Ryan Day in the last 32. Six-times world champion Davis had led 4-0 but the 19-year-old former welsh amateur champion bounced back to the delight of the partisan crowd to record the unlikely victory. A stunned Day said: "I simply can't believe it - the result is incredible. "I had a lot of supporters and with Steve 4-0 in front, I just wanted to win a frame or two for them. "Steve didn't miss a ball in the first four frames to give me any chance at all but I knew if I got them that I was good enough to take them and that's what happens," said Day who scored only 30 points in the first four frames. "Steve is a legend and he could have beaten me 5-0 but when he eventually gave me a chance , a break of 60 got me going. "It was the biggest match I was ever going to play before it even started and to win is unbelievable. "Previously the biggest game of my life was yesterday and when I got home, I slept like a log so I didn't have to think about playing Steve at the time," added the young boy from Bridgend whose next opponent is the world No.1 John Higgins. Davis, dazed by what the teenager had done, remarked, "I don't remember this happening to me before but until you have won the frame that takes you over the winning line, it doesn't matter what the score is. "I had never heard of Ryan before I knew he was my opponent but while I probably played as well as I have done for a long time before the interval, I didn't play well enough to win the remaining frames. "If you don't make a winning break you have to rely on what happens afterwards," added the former world champion who recorded a century break of 127.

James Wattana (Thai)	5-2	Jason Ferguson (Eng)
Jason Ferguson, on cloud nine yesterday, brought back down to earth by James Wattana today. Ferguson had been responsible for the shock 5-3 first round exit of seven-times Embassy World Champion Stephen Hendry but failed to reproduce that form against the Thai. Ferguson said: "The top players know how to concentrate in every match whereas I struggled today. "I found it difficult to get myself back together after what happened in the previous round so it's disappointing."

FIFTH ROUNDS

Mark J Williams (Wal) 4-5 Matthew Stevens (Wal)

Holder Mark Williams, beaten by countryman Matthew Stevens, promptly tipped him to win the title.
"He must have a great chance of going all the way if he can keep up this sort of form," said Williams.
The 22 year old Stevens, beaten 10-8 by Williams in the UK championship final two months ago, turned the tables thanks to a 98 break in the deciding frame.
Stevens who kicked off with a break of 89, won three of the last four frames said, "The first half of the match was good. After that we both missed a few but I'm delighted with how I finished."
"To beat Mark is a good win for me whether he is playing well or badly and if I can keep scoring well, I agree with what Mark says that I must have every chance of going all the way.
"But that still means winning three more matches and everyone of those will be just as tough."
Williams added, "It hurts to lose my title but in a couple of hours time, everything will be back to normal."
Williams's defeat was cushioned a little by the fact he is certain to stay at No.1 on the provisional rankings after this tournament.

Mark J Williams (Wal)	4-5	Matthew Stevens (Wal)
Holder Mark Williams, beaten by countryman Matthew Stevens, promptly tipped him to win the title. "He must have a great chance of going all the way if he can keep up this sort of form," said Williams. The 22 year old Stevens, beaten 10-8 by Williams in the UK championship final two months ago, turned the tables thanks to a 98 break in the deciding frame. Stevens who kicked off with a break of 89, won three of the last four frames said, "The first half of the match was good. After that we both missed a few but I'm delighted with how I finished." "To beat Mark is a good win for me whether he is playing well or badly and if I can keep scoring well, I agree with what Mark says that I must have every chance of going all the way. "But that still means winning three more matches and everyone of those will be just as tough." Williams added, "It hurts to lose my title but in a couple of hours time, everything will be back to normal." Williams's defeat was cushioned a little by the fact he is certain to stay at No.1 on the provisional rankings after this tournament.

Ian McCulloch (Eng) 5-2 Marco Fu (HK)

Marco Fu suffered a defeat at the hands of Preston professional, Ian McCulloch who has never been this far in a ranking event before.
McCulloch, the world No.39, led 4-0 in just over an hour then held on after Hong Kong's Fu, 30 points clear in frame seven, had threatened to close the gap even further.
"Things were getting a bit tense towards the end but this win proves what I've always believed, that I have the ability to do a lot better than I have done so far in my career," said McCulloch.

Ian McCulloch (Eng)	5-2	Marco Fu (HK)
Marco Fu suffered a defeat at the hands of Preston professional, Ian McCulloch who has never been this far in a ranking event before. McCulloch, the world No.39, led 4-0 in just over an hour then held on after Hong Kong's Fu, 30 points clear in frame seven, had threatened to close the gap even further. "Things were getting a bit tense towards the end but this win proves what I've always believed, that I have the ability to do a lot better than I have done so far in my career," said McCulloch.

Jimmy White (Eng) 5-2 Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)

Jimmy White rolled back the years to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan and reach his first quarter-final in a world ranking event since the 1998 Embassy world championship.
They were 2-2 in the interval but White soon pull away from it. White admitted his performance wasn't good enough but the win was what mattered. He said, "It's great to win the match. I wasn't pleased with the way I played but at least I can now kick on.
"Ronnie has been awesome all year. I practice with him and he's frightening so it's a good result despite the performance."

Jimmy White (Eng)	5-2	Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)
Jimmy White rolled back the years to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan and reach his first quarter-final in a world ranking event since the 1998 Embassy world championship. They were 2-2 in the interval but White soon pull away from it. White admitted his performance wasn't good enough but the win was what mattered. He said, "It's great to win the match. I wasn't pleased with the way I played but at least I can now kick on. "Ronnie has been awesome all year. I practice with him and he's frightening so it's a good result despite the performance."

John Higgins (Sco) 5-1 Ryan Day (Wal)

World No.l John Higgins did more than enough to avoid following Steve Davis among the also ran.
Only 24 hours earlier, Day caused a mighty upset when he toppled Steve Davis 5-4 after losing the first four frames, a victory which Higgins paid due respect to.
"I would have preferred to play Steve, I would have known what to expect but Ryan is someone I hadn't even heard of until this tournament. I just didn't know what he would throw at me," said Higgins who had a century break of 105.
He continued, "If I play like this again though I will soon be up the road and on my way home. The breaks were only because of the number of chances Ryan gave me and I needed every one of them to get me going.
"The way I played, Ryan could have won 5-1 as well but I'm still here so I'm not complaining too much."

John Higgins (Sco)	5-1	Ryan Day (Wal)
World No.l John Higgins did more than enough to avoid following Steve Davis among the also ran. Only 24 hours earlier, Day caused a mighty upset when he toppled Steve Davis 5-4 after losing the first four frames, a victory which Higgins paid due respect to. "I would have preferred to play Steve, I would have known what to expect but Ryan is someone I hadn't even heard of until this tournament. I just didn't know what he would throw at me," said Higgins who had a century break of 105. He continued, "If I play like this again though I will soon be up the road and on my way home. The breaks were only because of the number of chances Ryan gave me and I needed every one of them to get me going. "The way I played, Ryan could have won 5-1 as well but I'm still here so I'm not complaining too much."

QUARTER FINALS

Matthew Stevens (Wal) 2-5 Stephen Lee (Eng)

Scores: 12-93 (87), 42-69, 61-19 (56), 76-0 (76), 12-78, 7-79, 0-90 (90)
Stephen Lee went through to his second successive ranking event semi-final following this victory over Matthew Stevens which removed the last Welshman from the event.
Lee said: "After what happened at the Nations Cup last week I feel like a real winner."

Ian McCulloch (Eng) 1-5 Jimmy White (Eng)

Scores: 9-115 (115), 14-76 (52), 4-74, 26-66, 108-13 (102), 0-97 (97)
This win means that Jimmy White will reach his first appearance in the last four of a ranking event since he lost to Dominic Dale in the semi-final of the 1997 Grand Prix 27 months ago.
White began the match with a break of 115 and ended it with a run of 97 to complete a miserable night for the Preston pro.
White will now face Stephen Lee and insisted: "I do not want to just take the next step I want to take the next two steps. Losing in the semis or final is no good to me. I am here to win the competition.
"Stephen is a quality player and a quality kid but I feel great."
As attempting to retain his place in the top 16, he added: " There is a lot of pressure with this rankings situation and it would be nice to go to the Embassy World Championship knowing I'm there."

John Higgins (Sco) 5-1 Bradley Jones (Eng)

Scores: 35-77 (61), 73-20 (60), 80-0 (80), 104-9, 121-8 (82), 73-51 (73)
John Higgins reached his third ranking event semi-final of the season when he defeated Bradley Jones despite losing the opening frame.
Higgins bit his lip whilst sneezing before play started but it was Bradley Jones who bit off more than he could chew as Higgins romped home 5-1.
"Bradley didn't play that badly but I felt confident when I got in and made frame-winning breaks," said Higgins.
"Overall the standard was fairly good and I'm pleased with the way I played because he is a very capable player."
Back on the TV table for the first time since his opening match on Tuesday, he added, "I also feel a bit more at home under the TV lights and played as well in front of the cameras in my first match here.
World number one was called into action at 10am and said, "Mind you, I don't know whether I should be playing at 10am but at least this one is out of the way. I've now got the rest of the day off and can watch the others trying to get through."

Peter Ebdon (Eng) 5-2 Fergal O'Brien (Ire)

Scores: 19-73, 84-35, 8-80 (80), 84-41 (69), 81-56 (56 Ebdon), 128-0 (123), 90-0
Peter Ebdon, the world No.13, who over the years has won only two ranking events and lost to Stephen Hendry in the final of the British Open earlier in the season, revealed he is now wearing contact lenses.
"It has just been a question of getting used to them.
"I have had them in for about three-and-a-half weeks and I have noticed an improvement in my safety game already."
Ebdon will now meet John Higgins in the semi-final. As far as winning their seven out of eight meetings, he added, "I have the greatest respect for John and I'm alooking forward to playing him again as he is a class act. In my opinion he is also one of the greatest players the game has seen." His whose wife Deborah is expecting their fourth child in May.
Fergal O'Brien, who beat Thailand's James Wattana 5-0 in the previous round, said, "I had a couple of chances to lead 3-1 and 3-2 and didn't take them.
"When he made the century to lead 4-2 it compounded the problem. Two frames is a massive advantage to have in a match like that."
"But it was important to get to the quarter-finals because it's the best I've done this season."

Matthew Stevens (Wal)	2-5	Stephen Lee (Eng)
Scores: 12-93 (87), 42-69, 61-19 (56), 76-0 (76), 12-78, 7-79, 0-90 (90) Stephen Lee went through to his second successive ranking event semi-final following this victory over Matthew Stevens which removed the last Welshman from the event. Lee said: "After what happened at the Nations Cup last week I feel like a real winner."

Ian McCulloch (Eng)	1-5	Jimmy White (Eng)
Scores: 9-115 (115), 14-76 (52), 4-74, 26-66, 108-13 (102), 0-97 (97) This win means that Jimmy White will reach his first appearance in the last four of a ranking event since he lost to Dominic Dale in the semi-final of the 1997 Grand Prix 27 months ago. White began the match with a break of 115 and ended it with a run of 97 to complete a miserable night for the Preston pro. White will now face Stephen Lee and insisted: "I do not want to just take the next step I want to take the next two steps. Losing in the semis or final is no good to me. I am here to win the competition. "Stephen is a quality player and a quality kid but I feel great." As attempting to retain his place in the top 16, he added: " There is a lot of pressure with this rankings situation and it would be nice to go to the Embassy World Championship knowing I'm there."

John Higgins (Sco)	5-1	Bradley Jones (Eng)
Scores: 35-77 (61), 73-20 (60), 80-0 (80), 104-9, 121-8 (82), 73-51 (73) John Higgins reached his third ranking event semi-final of the season when he defeated Bradley Jones despite losing the opening frame. Higgins bit his lip whilst sneezing before play started but it was Bradley Jones who bit off more than he could chew as Higgins romped home 5-1. "Bradley didn't play that badly but I felt confident when I got in and made frame-winning breaks," said Higgins. "Overall the standard was fairly good and I'm pleased with the way I played because he is a very capable player." Back on the TV table for the first time since his opening match on Tuesday, he added, "I also feel a bit more at home under the TV lights and played as well in front of the cameras in my first match here. World number one was called into action at 10am and said, "Mind you, I don't know whether I should be playing at 10am but at least this one is out of the way. I've now got the rest of the day off and can watch the others trying to get through."

Peter Ebdon (Eng)	5-2	Fergal O'Brien (Ire)
Scores: 19-73, 84-35, 8-80 (80), 84-41 (69), 81-56 (56 Ebdon), 128-0 (123), 90-0 Peter Ebdon, the world No.13, who over the years has won only two ranking events and lost to Stephen Hendry in the final of the British Open earlier in the season, revealed he is now wearing contact lenses. "It has just been a question of getting used to them. "I have had them in for about three-and-a-half weeks and I have noticed an improvement in my safety game already." Ebdon will now meet John Higgins in the semi-final. As far as winning their seven out of eight meetings, he added, "I have the greatest respect for John and I'm alooking forward to playing him again as he is a class act. In my opinion he is also one of the greatest players the game has seen." His whose wife Deborah is expecting their fourth child in May. Fergal O'Brien, who beat Thailand's James Wattana 5-0 in the previous round, said, "I had a couple of chances to lead 3-1 and 3-2 and didn't take them. "When he made the century to lead 4-2 it compounded the problem. Two frames is a massive advantage to have in a match like that." "But it was important to get to the quarter-finals because it's the best I've done this season."

SEMI FINALS

Stephen Lee (Eng) 6-5 Jimmy White (Eng)

Scores: 0-85 (63), 9-79 (79), 90-17 (51), 4-67, 25-70, 119-8 (69), 58-48, 80-0 (80), 6-69, 95-27 (71), 131-0 (131)
Ice Cool Stephen Lee produced a stunning clearance of 131 to complete a thrilling victory over Jimmy White in the semi-finals.
World No.6 Lee, 4-1 down at one stage, punished White after the "whirlwind" had twice missed the final blue in the seventh frame.
"After the first miss, I had another chance and rushed it. I couldn't get it out of my mind. It cost me the match, after that I just couldn't find my rhythm at all. You shouldn't really lose when you are 4-1 ahead," said White.
"I'm disappointed but at least I can reflect on the fact I've had a good week here and that I'm competing again."
It would be White's first ranking tournament final since he lost 18-17 to Stephen Hendry in the 1994 Embassy World Championship, if he won this.
Lee, last month's China Open runner-up, remarked, "I wasn't going anywhere in the first four frames but somehow I managed to hang on though I don't think there would have been anyway back if Jimmy had won the seventh.
"Helping England win the Nations Cup a week ago has done me the world of good. The experience is there and I now know I can play this game as well as anyone else."

John Higgins (Sco) 6-4 Peter Ebdon (Eng)

Scores: 18-84 (84), 81-1 (59), 8-127 (127), 79-49, 71-42, 53-37, 0-76 (75), 13-69 (66), 83-6 (82), 87-8
John Higgins reached the 33rd final of his professional career after shaking off a determined Peter Ebdon.
Ebdon, who is wearing contact lenses for the first time in a major event, was slow and deliberate throughout, frustrating Higgins with an unhurried display.
World number one said, "Watching Peter is frustrating.
"He is a class player and you fancy him clearing the table but you have a feeling it will take about 15 minutes.
"It's nice to get the match out of the way and hopefully I can produce my best in the final."
Scot Higgins has so far bagged 12 ranking event titles including this season's Grand Prix.

Stephen Lee (Eng)	6-5	Jimmy White (Eng)
Scores: 0-85 (63), 9-79 (79), 90-17 (51), 4-67, 25-70, 119-8 (69), 58-48, 80-0 (80), 6-69, 95-27 (71), 131-0 (131) Ice Cool Stephen Lee produced a stunning clearance of 131 to complete a thrilling victory over Jimmy White in the semi-finals. World No.6 Lee, 4-1 down at one stage, punished White after the "whirlwind" had twice missed the final blue in the seventh frame. "After the first miss, I had another chance and rushed it. I couldn't get it out of my mind. It cost me the match, after that I just couldn't find my rhythm at all. You shouldn't really lose when you are 4-1 ahead," said White. "I'm disappointed but at least I can reflect on the fact I've had a good week here and that I'm competing again." It would be White's first ranking tournament final since he lost 18-17 to Stephen Hendry in the 1994 Embassy World Championship, if he won this. Lee, last month's China Open runner-up, remarked, "I wasn't going anywhere in the first four frames but somehow I managed to hang on though I don't think there would have been anyway back if Jimmy had won the seventh. "Helping England win the Nations Cup a week ago has done me the world of good. The experience is there and I now know I can play this game as well as anyone else."

John Higgins (Sco)	6-4	Peter Ebdon (Eng)
Scores: 18-84 (84), 81-1 (59), 8-127 (127), 79-49, 71-42, 53-37, 0-76 (75), 13-69 (66), 83-6 (82), 87-8 John Higgins reached the 33rd final of his professional career after shaking off a determined Peter Ebdon. Ebdon, who is wearing contact lenses for the first time in a major event, was slow and deliberate throughout, frustrating Higgins with an unhurried display. World number one said, "Watching Peter is frustrating. "He is a class player and you fancy him clearing the table but you have a feeling it will take about 15 minutes. "It's nice to get the match out of the way and hopefully I can produce my best in the final." Scot Higgins has so far bagged 12 ranking event titles including this season's Grand Prix.

FINAL

Stephen Lee (Eng) 8-9 John Higgins (Sco)

First Session Scores: 17-102 (101), 129-0 (129), 78-43, 74-36, 0-129 (77, 52), 1-74 (52), 68-54 (50 Lee), 7-83 (83)
Second Session Scores: 71-28, 46-94, 70-61 (56 Higgins, 64 Lee), 81-67 (67 Higgins), 34-86 (63), 71-42 (71), 13-113 (54, 59), 0-100 (100), 8-65
World number one John Higgins collected his 13th ranking event title and second of this season with a winner cheque of GBP 62,000.
It was third time lucky for the world No.1 who lost both his previous Welsh finals in 1995 and 1998.
It was also the second time he had staged a comeback to win a ranking title this season after fighting from 6-2 and 8-7 behind to defeat Mark Williams 9-8 in the Grand Prix final last October.
Resuming at 4-4 after the first session, Lee looked to be closing in on victory afer earning an 8-6 advantage. But Higgins fired back and forced the decider.
In the end, it was a modest break of 40 which carried the 1998 world champion over the winning line.
"It was a great match and I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I missed some stupid frame winning shots," said Higgins whose earning this season are now just short of GBP 200,000.
"When I was two down with only three to play, I wanted Stephen to win it rather than me give it to him. I battled on as hard as I could though in the decider, the nerves were dangling and I was shaking like a leaf. Sometimes the last frame is the hardest one of all to win."
He continued, "It's a great feeling to win the first tournament of the new century. It is something to tell my grandchildren about."
"I know I did play terrible in China when I lost my first match out there six weeks ago. Hopefully that is the only blip I will have this season."
Higgins, who also made some other decent breaks, added, "You don't really know what you have done until you read about it afterwards but this is the standard we are playing at today."
Lee who picked up a cheque for GBP 33,000, said, "Unfortunately there has to be a loser in such a great game as this one and John was the more solid in the last frame. The way John played, I can't take anything away from him."
"He is never dead and buried and is a quality act but I'm getting better and better all the time and my self confidence and self belief is coming together slowly but surely."

Stephen Lee (Eng)	8-9	John Higgins (Sco)
First Session Scores: 17-102 (101), 129-0 (129), 78-43, 74-36, 0-129 (77, 52), 1-74 (52), 68-54 (50 Lee), 7-83 (83) Second Session Scores: 71-28, 46-94, 70-61 (56 Higgins, 64 Lee), 81-67 (67 Higgins), 34-86 (63), 71-42 (71), 13-113 (54, 59), 0-100 (100), 8-65 World number one John Higgins collected his 13th ranking event title and second of this season with a winner cheque of GBP 62,000. It was third time lucky for the world No.1 who lost both his previous Welsh finals in 1995 and 1998. It was also the second time he had staged a comeback to win a ranking title this season after fighting from 6-2 and 8-7 behind to defeat Mark Williams 9-8 in the Grand Prix final last October. Resuming at 4-4 after the first session, Lee looked to be closing in on victory afer earning an 8-6 advantage. But Higgins fired back and forced the decider. In the end, it was a modest break of 40 which carried the 1998 world champion over the winning line. "It was a great match and I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I missed some stupid frame winning shots," said Higgins whose earning this season are now just short of GBP 200,000. "When I was two down with only three to play, I wanted Stephen to win it rather than me give it to him. I battled on as hard as I could though in the decider, the nerves were dangling and I was shaking like a leaf. Sometimes the last frame is the hardest one of all to win." He continued, "It's a great feeling to win the first tournament of the new century. It is something to tell my grandchildren about." "I know I did play terrible in China when I lost my first match out there six weeks ago. Hopefully that is the only blip I will have this season." Higgins, who also made some other decent breaks, added, "You don't really know what you have done until you read about it afterwards but this is the standard we are playing at today." Lee who picked up a cheque for GBP 33,000, said, "Unfortunately there has to be a loser in such a great game as this one and John was the more solid in the last frame. The way John played, I can't take anything away from him." "He is never dead and buried and is a quality act but I'm getting better and better all the time and my self confidence and self belief is coming together slowly but surely."

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