Snooker Irish MastersSince Mark Williams won his last major title in October 2003, he has not featured in the semi-finals of any world-ranking event. That will change tomorrow, however, after the Welshman beat Stephen Lee 6-4 to reach the last four of the Fáilte Ireland Irish Masters at Citywest.
Both players had a lot at stake, after disappointing form so far this season. It was no great surprise then that the opening frame was a tense affair, until Lee cleared up with 62 to win it. He then added the next with a 76.
Williams looked to be struggling in those early frames, but responded by compiling a total clearance of 141 in the third to get off the mark.
That effort put him into the lead in the contest for the €3,000 highest break bonus.
The former world champion built on that by running 105 to square the match at 2-2. And although Lee regained the lead in the next, Williams made breaks of 99 to draw level again, and 64 to go ahead for the first time at 4-3.
Lee maintained the high standard by making 87 to win frame eight, but crucially missed a yellow with the rest at a key stage in the next. Williams stepped in to take it, then added the 10th to close out the match.
"I knew a performance like that was in the locker somewhere, so it's just great to bring it out in a match," said Williams.
"I can't remember the last time I played so well, but I'm not going to get carried away because it's only one match. But hopefully it will give me a platform to build up the confidence I need."
Lee was not exactly disconsolate after losing, having lifted himself from the despair which he spoke off after losing to Stephen Hendry in last month's Riley's Club Masters at Wembley.
"I didn't really miss much, and apart from a few shots at the end I'm over the moon with how I played. It's just nice to be competing again," said the 30-year-old, who has struggled to reproduce the form which saw him named Player of the Year in 2002.
Williams' semi-final opponent will be Ronnie O'Sullivan, their first meeting in a ranking tournament for three years. The world champion made four centuries on his way to beating Gerard Greene 6-4 last night.
