SNOOKER/Malta Cup: After flattering to deceive on many occasions, Ryan Day has booked his long awaited debut in the semi-finals of a world ranking event.
The highly-rated but until now under-achieving Welshman entered uncharted territory with an impressive 5-1 victory over Mark King to reach the quarter-finals of the €300,000 Malta Cup at the Portomaso Hilton Conference Centre.
"It's always a good feeling to go further in a tournament than ever before but I'm also really happy with the way I played to get there," said the 26-year-old from near Bridgend.
"Every time Mark made a mistake I stepped in and made a big break. That always boosts your confidence."
In the other quarter-final, defending champion Ken Doherty was losing 4-3 to Peter Ebdon.