Jimmy White wasted little time in dispensing with Nigel Bond as he secured his first world ranking semi-final place for nearly three years at the Travis Perkins UK Championship in York last night.
The Whirlwind, who led 5-3 after the first session of play courtesy of six 50-plus breaks, was swiftly back into the groove and duly denied Bond a chance to progress.
The 41-year-old will now meet Matthew Stevens, who defeated Paul Hunter 9-3 yesterday's other quarter-final.
"I was fairly solid; I didn't score that heavily, but my important pots were good," said White. "I'm playing my B-game at the moment. I'm not firing on all cylinders, but let's hope it connects against Matthew.
"I've got my game in reserve, so it will be nice to have a day off tomorrow and then come back and play well against Matthew."
Journeyman Barry Pinches ended a 14-year wait when he booked himself his first-ever ranking-tournament quarter-final when he dispensed with Stephen Lee 9-6 in the last 16.
The Norwich cueman is back on table today against seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry. The former English amateur champion has struggled to stamp his authority at the top level.