MCMANUS SETS UP HIGGINS CLASHAlan McManus battled his way past Mark Williams tonight (Friday) to earn an intriguing all-Scottish semi-final at the SAGA Insurance Masters. The 1994 champion held his nerve for a 6-4 quarter-final victory over two-times winner Mark Williams.
The two Scots will locks horns at the Wembley Conference Centre at 7.30pm tomorrow, preceded by this year’s other semi-final showdown between defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and Trowbridge potter Stephen Lee.
McManus savoured his title-triumph 12 years ago and is relishing the chance to win the prestigious crown again, although he admits it will be a big ask to beat Higgins.
But, for now at least, he has happy just to have beaten Welshman Williams. "I’m pleased to have got through. That’s the good side of a really poor match," said McManus.
"We both struggled out there, but if it had gone 5-5 I think Mark would have been favourite. It was a cat and mouse situation [in the tenth frame], but luckily I won it for the match.
"I just couldn’t settle for whatever reason, but I’m through. Hopefully I can set some practice tomorrow and then feel a bit more comfortable out there. I’m looking forward to playing John, it should be a great match. I've known him since he was knee-high and he's a special talent."
McManus started the better to win a scrappy opener, before Welsh left-hander Williams responded with an 82 break.
But back came McManus to win the next two frames, the highlight of which was a 50 run in the third frame. Williams pocketed a 50 break to reduce his arrears, before McManus went 4-2 ahead.
It went 4-3 after Williams composed himself for a 50, before McManus restored his two-frame advantage for the third time in the match.
Williams kept his fans on the edge of their seats with a great 85 break, but McManus secured his passage through to the final after his opponent missed a tricky black in the 10th frame.
A cool 48 clearance under pressure saw him cross the finishing line.
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