• Snooker World Championship

Dott edges out Allen in Crucible thriller

Graeme Dott claimed the final three frames in his match against Mark Allen to reach the semi-finals at the World Championship.

At 12-10 down, 2006 winner Dott was facing elimination from the tournament - but he fought back to sneak past Allen 13-12.

It was Dott who got off to the better start in the final session, which commenced with the two players deadlocked at 8-8. After two runs of over 50, the world No. 28 had picked up a handy two-frame advantage.

Allen was level at 10-10 by the time the players took a break for the mid-session interval. Dott had a golden opportunity to nudge ahead in the 21st frame but, having compiled a substantial lead, he rattled an awkward red into the jaws of the pocket.

Allen, who came to the table 64-0 behind, pounced on his opponent's error to retake the lead at 11-10. He extended his lead by taking his fourth-successive frame in the 22nd, moving within one of victory in the process.

Just as the momentum seemed to have swung decisively away from him, Dott showed his battling qualities - he took the next frame by collating a century break under the most pressurised of circumstances.

Dott again held his nerve to level the scores at 12-12 and force a deciding frame. After a cagey opening to the 25th that saw both players attempting snookers, a foul from Allen opened up the reds for Dott. He seized the opportunity to complete a clearance, and he will now continue his quest for a second Crucible title against Ronnie O'Sullivan or Mark Selby.

Ali Carter won five of the eight frames played in the second session to move level with Shaun Murphy at 8-8. 2008 runner-up Carter trailed 8-4 before he struck three breaks of over 60 - 87, 73 and 64 - to level the scores going into the final session.

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