Hunter lines up Williams showdown

Paul Hunter and Mark Williams, winners of the last three Masters, will meet for a place in the semi-finals of the 2004 event on Thursday.

Hunter, champion in 2001 and 2002, came through his opening match 6-3 against Londoner David Gray to earn his crack at the defending champion.

“After I win my first match in any tournament I can relax a lot more,” said the 25-year-old Leeds professional.

“But it’s particularly pleasing at Wembley because there is no other venue like it, apart from Sheffield for the World Championship.

“I missed a few easy ones and I also had that little bit of luck you need in any game.”

Hunter, who defeated Welshman Williams 10-9 from 5-0 down in the 2002 Masters final, was involved in a slow start to his opening game.

The first frame was re-racked after 17 minutes of stalemate, only for world number 12 Gray to take command on the re-start.

A break of 58 put him into a 66-1 lead and Yorkshireman Hunter required two snookers if he was to steal it. However, 10 penalty points tipped the balance Hunter’s way and he snatched the frame on the black for 1-0.

A 51 break made it 2-0 before Scottish Open champion Gray rallied with 70 to reduce his arrears.

Hunter led 3-1 at the interval only for Gray to hit back once more with 67.

The former winner extended his lead to 5-2 without producing his best form only for Gray to stave off defeat with a fourth half century. However, 74 by Hunter sent him through to the quarter-finals.

“Even though I’ve won this title twice it’s always nerve-wracking before playing here,” said the former holder after joining Williams and Ronnie O’Sullivan in the next phase.

“Now, I can chill out for a couple of days before playing Mark.”