Snooker: Lee makes a breakthrough

Stephen Lee, the world No 16 broke through a physiological barrier last night by reaching the semi-finals of a ranking tournament for the first time. After five previous failures in the last eight, he defeated Mark King 9-2 to book a Liverpool Victoria UK Championship semi-final on Saturday with Ronnie O'Sullivan or Gerard Greene.

Matthew Stevens produced a sparkling display yesterday, securing a 7- 1 advantage over the Scot Martin Dziewialtowski. Barring disaster this afternoon, he will reach the last four of a ranking event for the second tournament running.

Stephen Hendry, the defending champion, needs only four more frames to defeat fellow Scotsman Alan McManus. He led 5-3 last night.