Snooker: Stevens in commanding form

Matthew Stevens produced a sparkling display yesterday to virtually book his passage into the semi-finals of the UK Championship in Preston.

Stevens secured a 7-1 advantage and barring disaster when the match resumes this afternoon will reach the last four of a ranking event for the second tournament running.

On the receiving end of the 20-year-old Welshman's brilliant showing was Martin Dziewialtowski. The Scot was already 6-0 behind before winning his first frame and Stevens rubbed it in by clearing up with 66 to win the eighth frame on the black.

Stevens, the world No 53, said: "I've put in a lot of hard work this season, now it's paying off. Whenever I'm in among the balls I feel like scoring heavily."