It was not pretty – Mark Selby and Mark Allen semi-final in Sheffield criticised

Mark Allen and Mark Selby are looking for a place in the final (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Stephen Hendry criticised Mark Selby and Mark Allen for casting a “dark cloud” over the Crucible after the second session of their World Championship semi-final was halted three frames earlier than scheduled in Sheffield.

Selby battled back from a three-frame deficit to establish a 7-6 overnight advantage against his opponent after a gruelling session in which safety play prevailed and both players appeared reluctant to take on important pots.