Dott surges ahead against mis-firing Rocket

Ronnie O’Sullivan was completely out of sorts as Graeme Dott threatened to pull off a shock victory in their 888.com World Championship semi-final by winning the opening four frames to move 12-8 ahead at the Crucible Theatre.

The Rocket was still struggling to reach anything like top form, constantly failing to convert half chances and not looking comfortable with his long potting game.

He had appeared agitated during Friday’s play regarding his tip – which caused a 15-minute delay after coming off during frame 14 – and with spectators, one of whom was removed during the mid-session interval but later allowed to return.

In contrast Dott has produced rock solid snooker over three days against O’Sullivan and clearly has the temperament to handle the pressure of a world semi-final.

Dott made his intentions clear from the start after forcing O’Sullivan into attempting a long red via some good safety play. He failed to convert and remained in his chair for the remainder of the frame as Dott compiled an impressive 92.

The next was a scrappy affair which developed into a tactical battle but Dott always gave the impression of being in control before edging home.

O’Sullivan was failing to convert the easiest opportunities and after missing a red into the black pocket, Dott again cashed in with a run of 86 to the final black.

It was imperative O’Sullivan won the final frame before the mid-session interval but he handed it to Dott on a plate after missing a cut on the blue into the middle pocket and opening the final cluster of reds. A break of 49 to the black proved sufficient.

Peter Ebdon will attempt to clinch his third appearance in the final after producing near faultless snooker in opening up a 15-9 lead against Marco Fu.

Ebdon had previously failed to reach a single ranking quarter-final this season but has brought his best form to Sheffield during the past fortnight.

His performance in the second and third sessions on Friday was in total contrast to the turgid exhibition from both players who adopted a no-risk policy during the opening eight frames which occupied nearly four hours.

Ebdon cued superbly and gave a magnificent example of break-building as he reeled off three centuries and eight other 50 plus breaks.