Graeme Dott believes a summer away from the practice table will pay off in the new season after revealing he was “mentally drained” when his world title defence ended in the first round.

Trainee pilot Ali Carter hopes to continue flying high when he contests the quarter-finals of the 888.com World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre today.

Ronnie O’Sullivan was well below his best again as Graeme Dott fought back to level their 888.com World Championship semi-final at 6-6 at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Outsider Marco Fu is becoming snooker’s marathon man after an attritional opening session of his 888.com World Championship semi-final with Peter Ebdon at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Former title holder Peter Ebdon and underdog Marco Fu shared the opening four frames of their 888.com World Snooker Championship semi-final clash at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Ronnie O’Sullivan resisted a doughty challenge from Mark Williams to edge through 13-11 in their 888.com World Championship quarter-final at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre tonight.

Marco Fu insisted he was no cheat today after his 13-4 demolition of fourth seed Stephen Maguire to reach the 888.com World Championship quarter-finals at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Ronnie O’Sullivan was focus personified today, both during and after his 10-4 victory over Dave Harold in the 888.com World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Snooker’s authorities came under fire again today when Joe Swail described the table as an “absolute joke” after losing to Matthew Stevens in the first round of the 888.com World Championship.

John Higgins crashed to a shock 10-4 defeat against Mark Selby in the first round of the 888.com World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre tonight.

John Higgins was left facing an uphill battle to remain alive in this year’s 888.com World Championship after he slipped 6-3 behind to the unfancied Mark Selby at the end of their first session at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Shaun Murphy admits he has been “living every 23-year-old’s dream” since his stunning World Championship success last year.

Defending champion Shaun Murphy will begin the defence of his 888.com World Championship title against Thailand’s James Wattana when this year’s prestigious tournament gets underway on April 15.

Stephen Lee admitted he lost his way against Graeme Dott – just as it looked as though he was going to bow out of the SAGA Insurance Masters.

World amateur champion Mark Allen took another step towards securing a place in the final stages of the game’s top professional event by recording a 10-3 victory over Justin Astley in Prestatyn.

John Higgins, installed as favourite for the Travis Perkins UK Championship after Ronnie O’Sullivan’s exit, was knocked out by a rejuvenated Ken Doherty in York.

SHAUN MURPHY today embarks on his first major challenge to prove his stunning World Championship success was not a flash in the pan.

Shaun Murphy tomorrow embarks on his first major challenge to prove his stunning World Championship success this year was not a flash in the pan.

Peter Ebdon could only sit and watch a Ronnie O’Sullivan masterclass today - and admitted he was privileged to be sharing a table with the ’Rocket’.

Shaun Murphy, fresh from a brilliant display against John Higgins, maintained that terrific form in his Embassy World Championship quarter-final against Steve Davis at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre today.

Mark Williams joined another former winner, John Higgins, in slipping out of the Embassy World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre tonight.

Graeme Dott, surprise runner-up in last year’s Embassy World Championship, crashed out in the first round at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre tonight.

Paul Hunter, diagnosed as having cancer of the colon two weeks ago, became the highest-ranked player so far to exit the Embassy World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre today.

Ken Doherty has had a glimpse into snooker’s future – and the Dubliner has been left awe-struck by the generation of Chinese players who threaten to dominate the game for the next 20 years.

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN faces the toughest possible start to his defence of the Embassy world title next month.

Stephen Hendry is relishing the prospect of going head to head with Ronnie O’Sullivan for a place in the Embassy World Championship final.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has been handed a tough opening assignment in the first round at next month’s Embassy World Championship.

Matthew Stevens wrapped up a 13-7 win over John Higgins today to book his place in the semi-finals of the Embassy World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

John Higgins almost capped off a superb display with a 147 clearance today as he eased into the quarter-finals of the Embassy World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Reigning world champion Lisa Quick stands between Kelly Fisher and an unprecedented clean sweep of the ladies’ titles this season.

Ken Doherty and Peter Ebdon reached the second round of the Embassy World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre tonight - but in hugely contrasting styles.

Ronnie O’Sullivan believes he is a better player for being king of the world, with his 10-1 demolition of Ken Doherty in the UK Championship final providing the proof.

Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan will consider quitting the sport this summer, even if he wins the Embassy World Championship.