Dominant Small into LG Cup final

Chris Small was in dominant form in Preston

Watch Chris Small clinch victory

Scotland's Chris Small was in dominant form as he beat Jimmy Michie of England 6-2 to reach the LG Cup final to reach his first major final.

The world number 29 from Leith was rated a 150/1 shot at the start of the week and needed a steroid injection just to play as he continues to battle a spine problem.

But he has played superbly all week, and added Michie to his list of scalps which already includes former world champions John Higgins and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

"I'm over the moon to finally make it through to a final," he said.

I've never felt pressure like it

Chris Small

"When I was a youngster I watched the snooker on television and thought how great it must be to play in a major final.

"Now I've done it at last and I'm determined to enjoy it. It's a dream come true and I can't wait."

He added: "I came off at the interval 4-0 up and just told myself to win the fifth frame to stop him coming back," Small said.

"I've never felt pressure like it when he won the next two. My arm tightened up because I knew everyone would wonder how I could lose after beating John and Ronnie."

Small was on the verge of quitting the game after being diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondilytis, a disease of the spine but monthly injections have allowed him to continue.

"My back's fine," he said. "As long as it holds out for the final, it can give me as much pain as it likes when I get home."

Michie was unable to recover after Small took the opening four frames in impressive style.

The lengthy second frame proved the crucial point of the match, with the Yorkshireman losing out in a tense battle which centred on the pink.

Small finally potted it and took the next two frames to move 4-0 ahead.

Michie fought back, taking frames five and six, but the Scot secured victory with runs of 36, 37, 43 and 39.