World Snooker Championship 2022 - Mark Williams battles past Yan Bingtao for seventh Crucible semi-final

Mark Williams got the better of a titanic battle with Yan Bingtao to secure his place in the semi-finals of the World Championship. The three-time winner of the event had runaway victories in his first two rounds, and he threatened that against Yan. Ad/> But after dominating the first session, he was blitzed by the Chinese star in the second session on Tuesday evening.

World Championship'Unbelievably good' — Williams dazzles Crucible crowd with amazing shot2 HOURS AGO The pair returned for the final session locked together at 8-8, and went blow-for-blow on Wednesday afternoon — with Williams holding his nerve to claim a 13-11 win to set up a meeting with either Judd Trump or Stuart Bingham. Williams was off colour on Tuesday evening, with his highest break of the session being a run of 48. He missed what looked like a nailed-on plant in the first frame of the session as his woes continued.

Yan countered with a run of 62 and it proved enough to edge him back into the lead. For the second frame in a row, Williams broke down when looking well set and paid a price — with Yan opening up a two-frame lead thanks to his 40th century of the season. It's making him lose focus — White fires warning to O'Sullivan Trump moves ball with hand after tricking referee Yan had been largely faultless for a session and two frames, but played a rash safety and Williams pounced to knock in a brilliant 135 — his 12th century of the tournament.

The frame before the final interval was a scrappy affair, with excellent safety from both players. Williams’ early 40-point advantage ultimately proved decisive as he kept chipping away and took the frame to level the contest at 10-10. The frame after the final interval was one that nearly got away from