Stevens on song in Brighton

Matthew Stevens made it unlucky 13 for his fellow Welshman Mark Williams at the British Open tonight.

Williams had won 12 successive matches in ranking events after winning the World Championship and LG Cup titles, but admitted he had been “outplayed” as Stevens beat him 5-1 in Brighton.

“Matthew played some really solid stuff and I didn’t get much of a chance to get into the match,” he said.

“He outplayed me and I fancy him to go on and win the tournament now.

“It’s nice to see him back playing some good stuff. He’s proved you don’t have to play frame-winning breaks all the time, you just have to be solid, play good safety and take your chances.”

Williams made a break of 54 to win the first frame, but Stevens secured the second with a run of 52 and limited the world number one to only 10 points in the next three frames.

Stevens, ranked ninth, then wrapped up victory in three visits during the sixth frame to reach the semi-finals of a ranking event for the first time since the 2002 Thailand Masters.

After losing 18-16 to Williams in the 2000 World Championship final at The Crucible, Stevens has suffered a huge drop in form.

But there were signs his fortunes had picked up at last month’s LG Cup when he defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan 5-0.

And Stevens is relishing being involved in the business end of tournaments again.

“It’s an excellent result to beat Mark, a great scalp for me,” Stevens said.

“After the last couple of years, every match is a bonus. I’ve been overshadowed by everyone else these last two seasons, going home early and feeling disappointed.

“But my outlook on life has changed and I’m enjoying the game again.”