Williams sees off Hendry to reach last four

Mark Williams was very efficient with his time today when securing an impressive 13-7 victory over Stephen Hendry to become the…

Mark Williams was very efficient with his time today when securing an impressive 13-7 victory over Stephen Hendry to become the first player to reach the semi-finals of the World Championships.

The Welshman's victory ensured he became only the second player to regain the world number one ranking after his fellow countryman Ray Reardon.

Hendry began this morning's session brightly with a brilliant 92, but Williams responded with an 81 to go 11-7 ahead.

The 2000 world champion then rattled off the two frames needed for victory, ending a match full of quality snooker.

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Ken Doherty resumes his quarter-final match with John Higgins this afternoon after relinquishing a massive 10-lead. The Scot responded by winning six frames on the bounce as both former world champions aim for a place in the last four alongside Williams.

In the top match defending champion Peter Ebdon is currently level at 8-8 with Paul Hunter while Stephen Lee and Marco Fu are also trading blow-for-blow to remain at four frames all.

Mark Williams (Wal) bt Stephen Hendry (Sco) 13-7

Frame scores(Williams first): 55-57 96-23 131 (131 break)-1 64-65 115 (115 break)-5 0-76 89-1 77-64 28-75 64-34 5-71 72-39 1-111 (111 break) 82-12 70-33 80-0 46-92 81-0 62-22 71-44