SHOWMAN Neil Robertson last night became the first Australian since 1982 to reach the World Championship semi-finals.

Two-time former winner Mark Williams claimed he will be the man the world’s elite players will want to avoid in Wednesday’s World Championship draw after clinching his Crucible place.

Joe Perry regained the initiative in his 888.com World Championship semi-final with Ali Carter by winning all four frames before the mid-session interval to lead 11-9 in the best-of-33 meeting at the Crucible Theatre.

Ken Doherty tonight crashed out of the 888.com World Championship in the first round in Sheffield, England.

John Higgins made major strides towards lifting his second 888.com World Championship title after opening up an overnight 12-4 lead against qualifier Mark Selby at the Crucible Theatre.

New world number one John Higgins put an uncertain start behind him to open up a 5-3 lead in the first session of the 888.com World Championship final against qualifier Mark Selby in Sheffield.

Stephen Hendry was feeling sick in more ways than one after departing the Malta Cup.

The snooker world paid its final tributes to Paul Hunter today, 10 days after the 27-year-old Yorkshireman died from cancer.

Hundreds of mourners assembled in Leeds Parish Church and hundreds more gathered outside for the funeral this afternoon of snooker professional Paul Hunter.

Tributes have been paid to 27-year-old snooker star Paul Hunter, who has died after losing his battle with cancer.

Graeme Dott took significant strides towards his first 888.com World Championship title - with the help of bananas and chocolate - opening up an 11-5 advantage in a war of attrition with Peter Ebdon at the Crucible Theatre.

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan overcame a scare to book his place in this year’s Grand Prix final in Preston but then immediately declared “I’m bored with snooker”.

Paul Hunter has confirmed he will compete at the Embassy World Championship after coming through his first night of competitive action since revealing he has cancer.

Andy Hicks had to be separated from Quinten Hann when their match came close to ending in a punch-up at the Crucible.

WELSH wizard Mark Williams completed the last 16 line-up in the Embassy World Championship last night and set the alarm bells ringing for his title rivals.

Veteran campaigner Willie Thorne followed the example of his good pal Gary Lineker by making life difficult for a German.