Dave Harold, snooker's most consistently productive professional this season, moved towards his third semi-final appearance in a month at the Bournemouth International Centre yesterday afternoon.

The Benson and Hedges Championship runner-up and Grand Prix semi-finalist in Preston leads Ireland's Fergal O'Brien 6-2 overnight.

However, the 31-year-old from Stoke will be wary of O'Brien's recuperative powers. Against fellow Dubliner Ken Doherty in the previous round, the world number 20 came from 7-3 down to register a stunning 9-7 upset.

And O'Brien just about stayed in contention by clinching the last frame of the opening session after Harold had won the previous five.

That streak included two steals on the black and then a sprinkling of good breaks. From 3-1 to 6-1 down O'Brien potted only three balls but typically ground out a victory in frame eight.

"I wouldn't write off Fergal just yet," said manager Ian Doyle relying on last season's Scottish Open semi-finalist to bring the title to the Cuemasters camp.

Harold needs three more frames from the nine remaining this afternoon to set-up a semi-final against Matthew Stevens or Matthew Couch.