Chris Wakelin spurned an opportunity for snooker's highest ever break, but recomposed himself to make the semi-finals of the BetVictor Scottish Open with a 5-3 win over China's Zhou Yuelong.

The Englishman was aided by a free ball at the start of frame five and had the chance for an incredible 153 for much of the break. He was on a possible 151 when he missed the ninth red to the right middle.

That ended his run on 76, as a moment of snooker history slipped through his fingers. Jamie Burnett's 148 in 2004 UK Championship qualifying remains the only ever break of more than 147.

More importantly for Wakelin, he his finally broken a run of last eight defeats in Edinburgh. Having lost in the 2023 and 2024 quarter-finals, it was a case of third time lucky for the 33-year-old today.

World number 17 Wakelin came here facing the disappointment of narrowly missing out on both Victorian Plumbing UK Championship and Johnstone's Paint Masters qualification. The cut off for both in the Johnstone's Paint World Rankings is the top 16. However, he is currently projected to move into 16th at the end of this week.

In addition to his run of 76 in the fifth, Wakelin made contributions of 102, 75 and 52 en route to victory. Wakelin, who is hunting a second ranking crown on top of his 2023 Shoot Out triumph, waits the winner of Matthew Selt's meeting with Jiang Jun.

"It was a magic opportunity (in the fifth frame). I'm gutted I didn't make it. Just speaking to Jimmy White there and these opportunities come around once or twice in your career. I'm delighted to get to the semis, but that would have been really cool to make a break above 147," said Wakelin.

"This is a brilliant event in Edinburgh. I know a few of the top 16 players choose not to play, maybe because it is close to Christmas. For me, I have my family up here and I love coming up and having a little break here. I feel settled, comfortable and ready to play my best.

"When you have a baby in the bed you get less sleep! We are used to that though. Mia (Wakelin's daughter) will be one year old tomorrow. We are going to be celebrating, even though it is hard to when you have a match to play. It is brilliant to have them here. Being a father is without a doubt the best thing that has ever happened to me. To have them here for the semi-finals and hopefully the final will be magic."

Chang Bingyu reached his first ever ranking event semi-final after ending recently crowned UK Champion Mark Selby's 12 match winning streak by prevailing 5-3 in their quarter-final.

Chinese 23-year-old Chang returned to the tour this season after winning the Asia-Pacific Championship. He was already appearing in his first ranking quarter-final today and has now taken one step further.

Selby has enjoyed a tremendous few weeks, having claimed consecutive titles at the Champion of Champions and the UK Championship, but today proved to be a bridge too far.

Next up for Chang is either Mark Allen or Joe O'Connor in the last four.

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BetVictor Scottish Open Quarter-finals: Afternoon Session