King crowns win with top break

MARK KING posted the highest break of the Citywest Irish Masters on the way to his first ranking tournament semi-final for three years.

The English left-hander became the first player into the last four thanks to a 6-2 victory over Scotland’s Graeme Dott.

The highlight of a scrappy match, that also including the longest frame of the event, was his 137 clearance in frame seven. Not only did it top Peter Ebdon’s previous highest of 136 but it enabled King regain his grip on the game.

“I’ve been working on my break building with my dad,” explained King, beaten by Dott’s compatriot John Higgins in the 2001 British Open semis. “I’m not the greatest break builder. But if I want to start winning tournaments and getting to the later stages than I have to start killing off opponents.”

King, who reached the last eight by knocking out Stephen Hendry and Jimmy White, started promisingly enough with a run of 95.

Dott looked certain to level after a 51 break in the second frame. However, he missed the last red and King eventually claimed three snookers before stroking in the final black for a 2-0 lead.

The third frame was a turgid affair and at 51 minutes the longest of the week so far. But the world number 22 again potted the vital balls to go 3-0 up.

The fourth frame was re-racked after just 13 minutes and on the re-start the Englishman increased his grip on proceedings.

After the interval Dott began a mini revival. He reduced his arrears to a more manageable 4-2 before King struck for home.

His 137 takes the lead for a £5,000 high break bonus and when Dott missed the final green in frame eight, he cleared up with 18 to reach the penultimate round.

Dott had few complaints though he did reveal the cloth had given him as many problems as King.

“The static on the table was unbelievable,” he said. “You could actually hear it cracking. I was worried about putting my hand on the table and you can’t play snooker like that.”

The two players meet again in the world championship.

“I don’t think 6-2 was a fair reflection on the match and the result won’t have a bearing on what happens at Sheffield,” claimed Dott.