Snooker: Out-of-sorts Ronnie O'Sullivan is on the verge of a shock exit from the World Championships at the hands of gritty Graeme Dott after being dramatically whitewashed in the third session at The Crucible.
A stunned Crucible audience saw The Rocket totally misfire against Dott, who had been beaten by O'Sullivan in the 2004 final.
Scott won the first eight frames today and requires just one more this evening to set up a 35-frame meeting with either Peter Ebdon or Marco Fu.
O'Sullivan had appeared agitated during yesterday's two sessions - culminating in him needing a 15-minute break to replace the tip on his cue - although he was still in contention overnight at 8-8.
But his game completely went to pieces when play resumed this morning and he was a dejected figure by the time he shook hands with Dott.
It was the third time O'Sullivan has lost all eight frames in a season at Sheffield with John Parrott in 1994 and John Higgins four years later inflicting the same misery on him.
O'Sullivan constantly failed to convert half-chances, did not looking comfortable with his long potting game and towards the end of the session appeared resigned to his fate.
Credit should be given to Dott, who has produced rock-solid snooker over the three days against O'Sullivan and clearly has the temperament to handle the pressurised situation of a world semi-final.
Peter Ebdon will attempt to clinch his third appearance in the final after producing near faultless snooker in opening up a 15-9 lead against Marco Fu. PA