Davis falls but still aims high

Steve Davis's dream of another major snooker title was ended yesterday when he was beaten 6-3 by Neil Robertson in the Welsh Open semi-finals.

Davis, who had beaten world champion Graeme

Dott on his magical run to the last four in Newport, simply ran out of steam.

But Davis, who won his first title in 1980, is still hopeful of being in the world’s top 16 by the time he turns 50 in August.

"If I can achieve it at the end of the season, it will be a milestone," he said.

"At my age, it would be something I’d be quite

proud about."

Australian Robertson wasn’t born when Davis

beat Alex Higgins to win his first trophy, the UK

Championship 27 years ago, but he represents the

game’s future.

The 25-year-old Grand Prix winner produced

breaks of 109, 79, 70 and 51 after losing the opener, and has had an incredible

week toppling a trio of the sport’s legends.

"Beating Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen

Hendry and now Steve Davis is amazing, but it

will mean nothing if I lose the final," said the lefthander, who will meet either Stephen Maguire

or qualifier Andrew Higginson in the final.

"To win two ranking events in the same season

would be fantastic. It’s hard enough winning just

one these days because the standard is so high."