Haikou World Open: Matthew Stevens beats Judd Trump after getting own cue back
Matthew Stevens progressed to the semi-finals of the Haikou World Open after recording a 5-3 victory over Judd Trump.
Last Updated: 03/03/13 12:06pm
The Welshman was finally able to use his own cue again after a travel mix-up left him having to borrow equipment earlier in the week and he responded with an assured performance.
In fact it was Trump who had cue problems during the contest, the 2011 world championship finalist struggling to play with side due to an issue with his tip.
Stevens raced out into a 3-1 lead before Trump fought back to level the contest, but Stevens battled his way back ahead in the seventh frame and completed victory in the next.
"Before my first match, if you had told me I would get to the semi-finals I would have laughed at you, because it's hard enough winning matches with your own cue," Stevens told World Snooker's official website.
"I can't really believe I'm still here. I've won three matches with three different cues and that must be some sort of record."
Stevens will face Neil Robertson in the semi-finals after the former world champion edged out Mark Selby 5-3. The Australian recorded a break of 107 in frame three and made a clearance of 59 to complete the win.
The second semi-final will see John Higgins go up against Mark Allen.
Both raced through their quarter-finals, with Higgins in scintillating form as he beat China's big hope Ding Junhui 5-0.
The Scot fired in breaks of 141 and 113 in the opening two frames, and Ding scored only 40 points in the match.
Northern Irishman Allen ousted England's Ricky Walden 5-1.
