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Last Updated: Thursday, 5 February, 2004, 17:37 GMT
Hunter pips Williams
By Clive Jones
BBC Sport at Wembley

Paul Hunter
Hunter was allowed back into the match by Williams
Paul Hunter clawed his way back to seal a place in the semi-finals with a thrilling 6-5 victory over reigning champion Mark Williams.

Hunter slotted in a century in the third frame as he raced to a 3-1 interval lead over the Welshman.

But Williams roared back with breaks of 66, 77 and 101 to win three frames on the trot and move 4-3 ahead.

Fortunes ebbed and flowed before a break of 63 in the deciding frame proved decisive for Hunter.

"It was a really good match and we both played well in patches, but we also missed a lot of balls," said Hunter.

He [Hunter] has got a better chance of winning it than me
Mark Williams

"I was shaking like a leaf in the last frame and I knew I had a chance.

"My heart started beating, but this is when I play my best snooker, because it is a one frame shoot-out and it is anyone's game."

Williams rued missed chances which ultimately cost him his title.

"I looked like I was going to win 6-4 when I had an almighty bump off the cushion," said Williams.

"I had a chance again in the last frame as well and felt like I was going to clear up, but I missed a yellow."

When asked if he thought Hunter could go on and win the tournament, Williams quipped: "Well, he has got a better chance of winning it than me."


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