Snooker: Stevens aims to end 10-year Welsh wait
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.MATTHEW STEVENS hopes to bridge a 10-year gap tomorrow when he contests his first ever UK Championship final. The 21-year-old from Carmarthen defeated nearly man Dave Harold 9-7 in the opening semi-final at Bournemouth last night.
Now he will meet either title favourite John Higgins or his semi-final opponent Paul Hunter in his bid to become the first Welshman to capture the title since Doug Mountjoy defeated Stephen Hendry in 1988.
Victory was a sweet moment for the world No 26 after losing to Hendry in last year's UK semi-final at Preston. He recovered from 4-2 down in the afternoon session to inflict upon the Stoke-on-Trent based Harold only his fourth defeat in 19 matches this season.
But it was touch and go for Stevens and his greatest supporter, dad Morrell, watching the action unfold in the wings at the International Centre.
He squared the first session at 4-4, went 7-5 and 8-6 in front only for Harold to recover to 8-7. The 31-year-old from Staffordshire looked poised to level at 8-8 when he led 60-0. Instead, he was forced to play a safety shot and eventually Stevens cleared up with 72 to win on the pink.
It was defeat number two in a ranking tournament semi-final this season for Harold, who also lost to David Gray in the Benson and Hedges Championship final earlier this month.
"I'd trade all these semi-finals and finals to win one of these events," Harold said before picking up pounds 19,750 as consolation.
"I knew as soon as Matthew got to the yellow he was going to clear up. I just under-screwed the black and had to play safe otherwise I would have made it 8-8."
Stevens, the 1996 B and H Champion, is now guaranteed pounds 39,000, double his previous biggest payday since turning pro in 1994 and should Hunter get the better of Higgins the final will be a battle between two stablemates. They are members of `Wheels in Motion' managed by wheelchair-bound Geoff Faint.
"I don't mind who I play, I'm just looking forward to my first final," said Stevens.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments