Matthew Stevens defeated Steve Davis 9-6 in the UK Championship in York last night. Stevens built an early 3-0 lead over Davis before the six-time world and UK champion fought back to come within one frame of Stevens at 7-6. Davis then built a promising 37 break in the 14th frame but a missed opportunity allowed Stevens back and the Welshman went on to clinch the two frames he needed for victory.
After the match, Stevens paid tribute to Davis, saying he was still a force to be reckoned with. "He’s still legendary. Everyone said it was a good draw for me but there are a lot of other players I would rather play than Steve. He is still unbelievable. It’s only the second time I’ve ever played him. I was just 18 when we last met and I lost 5-2 so this was a bit of revenge."
44-year-old Davis was upbeat despite the defeat and spoke of his satisfaction with his current form. “I am enjoying playing at the moment. And I’ve won my first match in four of the five tournaments so far. But I have go to do that to just try and stay in the top 20. I’m hanging on by my fingernails to the top 32. However, I’m fighting hard. And it does give me a certain amount of satisfaction that I’m keeping my head above water.”
Filed by Tom Grealis
