Stevens and O'Sullivan in command
Tuesday, 1 May 2001 22:48Matthew Stevens and Ronnie O'Sullivan produced blistering displays in their respective quarter-final ties at the Embassy World Snooker Championship this evening. Stevens, last year's runner-up, led his opponent, seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry, 6-2 after today's opening session and carried on where he left off when play resumed this evening.
The Welshman made an opening break of 134 to extend his lead further before Hendry responded with a 79 to take the next frame. Stevens then won three on the trot before Hendry followed up with a further break of 83 to leave six frames between them. They exchanged frames once again before the end of the session, leaving Stevens needing only two more frames from tomorrow's final session, which gets underway at 10am.
Despite Stevens impressive form in taking a commanding lead against Hendry, it was nothing compared to what O'Sullivan achieved in his second session against fellow countryman Peter Ebdon. The pair were level at 4-4 after the first session but O'Sullivan, favourite to win this year's championship, sent out a serious warning to all other competitors left in the competition when he won eight consecutive frames against a disbelieving Ebdon.
The 12th seed had endured a 10-and-a-half hour marathon tie against Stephen Lee the night before and it seemed this evening that that match was finally taking its toll. O'Sullivan now needs just one more frame to book his place in the semi-finals. This tie will resume at 2:30pm tomorrow afternoon.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
