Joe Perry went large in Malta as he toppled world number one Mark Williams in a major semi-final upset at the £250,000 European Open in Valletta last night. World number 27 Perry will now tackle Stephen Hendry in tomorrow's best of 17 frame final for a first prize of £44,000 after scoring a totally unexpected 6-2 victory over Williams.
It has been a dream week for the steadily improving 27-year-old from Wisbech who has already ousted four members of snooker's elite top 16 during an inspired spell of giant-killing. But even if Hendry justifies his favourite's role by claiming his 72nd trophy, Perry is guaranteed to collect at least £22,000 - the largest cheque of his 10-year professional career.
Perry ousted Joe Swail, Matthew Stevens and Jimmy White in the previous three rounds. Earlier, Ireland’s Hendry beat Ken Doherty 6-4.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
