Williams secures semis berth

Mark Williams was not at his best against Hunter

Mark Williams secured a place in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup with a 5-2 victory over Paul Hunter.

It is the third time the world number one has reached the last four of the competition - but he will have to improve on his current form if he is to claim the cup for the first time.

The Welshman made a top of break of only 43 against Benson and Hedges Masters champion Hunter at the Brighton Centre.

"I'm getting used to playing like that," said Williams, whose second successive victory takes him top of Group B.

"But I'm not too worried. To be honest I wouldn't have been bothered had I been on my way home."

Higgins is into the semi-finals

Hunter started off positively when he claimed the opening frame.

But Williams then took the next four frames and wrapped up proceedings when he won the seventh.

It was his sixth straight win over Yorkshireman Hunter.

The identity of the former world champion's opponent in the last four depends on the outcome of John Higgins' match against Stephen Hendry.

If Higgins beats the seven-times world champion, who has yet to register a victory in the competition, then Williams will face Ken Doherty for a place in Sunday's final.

But if Hendry wins, Williams will play Group A runner-up Peter Ebdon in Saturday's second semi-final.