Dubliner Fergal O'Brien's bid to be snooker's new UK Champion ended in defeat at the quarterfinal stage yesterday when he was beaten by England's Dave Harold.

World number 19 Harold, on a run of form which saw him reach the last four of the Grand Prix in Preston last month and the Benson and Hedges final in Malvern, resumed 6-2 up yesterday afternoon and despite struggling to win a 49minute 13th and final frame, never faltered en route to the semi-finals.

"I've had a good run but you always feel disappointed leaving a tournament without winning it," admitted O'Brien.