Davis rolls back the years

The countdown is on to the snooker match many thought they would never again see: Steve Davis versus Stephen Hendry in the semi-finals of a major ranking event.

Davis has sparkled in York at the Travis Perkins UK Championship this week, reproducing his best form at the age of 48 to reach the final four.

The battle of the veterans was set up with victory for Davis against Ken Doherty and for 36-year-old Hendry against Ali Carter, both by 9-7 margins.

Their match begins tomorrow with both men already looking towards the final, and Hendry said: “Steve’s phenomenal. He’s shown some form of late and, although he doesn’t do it as consistently as he used to, on his day he’s going to beat anybody.”

Davis, who won his first UK title 25 years ago, is relishing the opportunity of reaching his 100th career final and said: “It’s a delight to be in the semi-finals, but now that I’m here I’d like a bit more, thank you very much.”

By tonight, the line-up in the other semi-final will be known. Joe Perry faces Stuart Bingham in an all-English quarter-final, while China’s Ding Junhui faces Australian Neil Robertson in a duel of two of the brightest young talents in the game.