Title favourite Mark Selby was today looking to chase down fast starter Graeme Dott in his semi-final at the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship.

Neil Robertson outplayed a weary Ali Carter in the first session of their marathon last-four showdown as he began his quest to give Australia their first ever Crucible finalist.

World champion Graeme Dott has revealed the secret heartache behind his decision to possibly take time away from the sport.

Graeme Dott’s heroic performance in reaching the final of the Embassy World Championship final – with a cue which cost him nothing – has enabled him to cling onto his place in the top 16 for the 2004-2005 campaign.