Snooker: O'Sullivan breaks out

Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry will meet in the second semi-final of the UK Championship after both players breezed through their quarter-finals in York last night.

The pair both led 6-2 after yesterday's first two sessions, with O'Sullivan playing Quinten Hann, of Australia, and Hendry against Norwich's Barry Pinches.

There was nothing stopping O'Sullivan, the British Open runner-up, and seven-time world champion Hendry from continuing the rich form which they have shown all tournament. Both players only required the first evening session to fire their way through to tomorrow's semi-final, both winning 9-3

O'Sullivan seems to be amassing century breaks for fun and with 104, 137 and 100 breaks he increased his tally to 11 centuries for the championship.

The Essex player admitted an outburst of emotion on Tuesday has helped get rid of some of the weight which has been on his shoulders.

"It's done me the power of good letting it all out," O'Sullivan said. "I've spoken to my mum and we had a good chat. I've also spoken to my friends. I know the issues I've got to address."

Hendry secured his 12th world-ranking semi-final having also taken the first frame of the evening with a cultured 103 break.