Mark Williams is on track to become the oldest ever Crucible finalist as he took as 13-11 lead over Judd Trump in the third session of their Halo World Championship battle.
Having trailed 7-3 earlier in the tie, veteran Williams has fought back to win ten of the last 14 frames to take charge. The Welshman, who turned 50 in March, needs just four more frames when they return at 7pm tonight to set up a final with China's Zhao Xintong.
World number one Trump played the best snooker of the tournament during his first three matches, but has a fierce battle on his hands against the tough and experienced Williams. England's Trump, who lifted the trophy in 2019, is seeking a fourth Crucible final, while three-time champion Williams is looking for his fifth final.
Tied at 8-8 overnight, Williams took the first frame this morning with a break of 57, before Trump recovered with a pair of runs of 71 to win two in a row. In frame 20, Trump was just a few pots from 11-9 as he led 52-35 when he narrowly missed a tricky pot on the penultimate red to a top corner, letting Williams in for a cool 32 clearance which included a tricky green rolled along the baulk cushion.
After the interval, Williams stepped up a gear with breaks of 73 and 84 to lead 12-10. World number six Williams also had first chance in the 23rd but ran out of position on 29. Trump crashed in a risky plant on a red and went on to make a tremendous 64 which included a difficult pot on the last red along a side cushion. In the last of the session, Trump had an early chance but missed the black to a top corner, and his opponent took advantage with a break of 62.