In-form duo set up semi clash

Stephen Hendry and Matthew Stevens will fight it out for a place in the final of the Bahrain Snooker Championship after both came through their respective last-eight matches.

The in-form duo will meet in the semi-finals on Friday afternoon for the chance to play for the winner's cheque of £48,000 on Saturday.

Hendry was the first to book his spot in the best-of-11 clash when he overcame dangerous qualifier Robert Milkins 5-2.

The pair put on a dazzling show early in the match with three century breaks in the first three frames, starting with a 137 from Milkins. Hendry hit back with 113 and 132 and never looked back.

"I played pretty well again, I only missed a few shots," said Hendry, who has proved to be the big crowd favourite in Bahrain.

"Rob made a fast start so it was good to get level quickly, and get the second and third frames without giving him a shot.

"The longer you go on in tournaments, the better you perform. I enjoy winning. I'm here to work, and to do a job."

Stevens, 31, has slipped down the rankings to 17th in recent times but is on his way back to form in the Gulf. He beat compatriot Dominic Dale 5-2.

Dale was 2-0 up after breaks of 75 and 57 but the Welshman hit back with breaks of 81, 69 and 53 in the last to seal the deal.

He said: "Three matches on the trot - I'm stunned. I missed a few early on and he took full advantage. It was nice to get a frame on the board when I made 81. That settled me down a bit. It wasn't fantastic scoring but it's a win."