Snooker: Davis comfortable in victory: Champion form denies comeback by Bond
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.STEVE DAVIS remained firmly on course for his fourth major title in six weeks at the Sky Sports International Open in Plymouth yesterday.
Davis advanced to the semi-finals of the pounds 150,000 ranking tournament with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Nigel Bond, the ninth seed.
'I really do feel comfortable at the table and I'm enjoying it all so much,' said Davis, who has lost only once in his last 19 matches. 'It's a nice attitude to have and one which you can't just turn on and off like a tap. I couldn't ask for any better preparation for the World Championship.'
Davis, who has won the European Open, British Open and Benson and Hedges Irish Masters titles since the middle of February, appeared to be coasting through when he led 3-0.
But the 35-year-old, who had breaks of 62, 55 and 38, missed a straightforward pink at a crucial moment in fourth frame and Bond cleared the colours to pinch it on the black.
Bond also won the fifth with a break of 75 before Davis stopped the rot by launching a 52 break in the next with a two-ball plant.
Davis won a dour 44-minute eighth frame to set up a best of 11 frames semi-final against Tony Jones or Ken Doherty.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments