Davis poised for 70th title : Snooker

Steve Davis is just one victory away from the 70th title of his professional career. The evergreen six-times World and UK champion moved a step closer to that milestone by beating Peter Ebdon 6-3 in the semi-finals of the £180,000 Regal Welsh Open in Newport yesterday. "That's the best I've played this week and, in fact, the best I've played this season," said the 37-year-old Davis, who had failed to progress further than the quarter-final stages of the first four ranking tournaments of 1994/95.

"I've had an indifferent season so far and, at the start of the tournament, I probably would have been satisfied with less. I'm delighted with this result." Davis, who is attempting to capture his first title since the Benson and Hedges Irish Masters 10

months ago, signalled his intent with a 98 break on his first scoring visit in the opening frame. In today's best-of-17 frame final, when a £32,500 first prize will be at stake, Davis will meet John Higgins, who beat Chris Small 6-1 in the other semi-final match.