Day dawns for Ryan

It has taken Ryan Day eight often frustrating years to secure his first appearance in the semi-finals of a world-ranking event but tonight the Welshman faces Peter Ebdon in the Malta Cup convinced he belongs at the game’s highest level.

Day, a 26-year-old from Pontycymmer, near Bridgend has been well thought of since turning professional in 1999, and despite numerous big occasion setbacks firmly believes his breakthrough is a matter of when, not if.