Last Updated: Thu, 01 May 2008 09:56
Joe Perry edged a thrilling last-eight clash against Stephen Maguire to book his place in the World Championship semi-finals.
Perry will now face Ali Carter, who claimed a 147 maximum break in his quarter-final victory over Peter Ebdon, after pinching a 13-12 see-saw evening session over Maguire with a decisive 54 break.
"I'm gradually fulfilling all my ambitions," said Perry, the world number 18. "When you turn pro you want to play at the Crucible, then reach the one-table stage, then reach the final and then win it. I am absolutely thrilled.
"I was just trying to keep my cool in the last frame. I was nervous, but I've been a lot more nervous than that before and I was surprised at how calm I was when my chance came along.
"There is no such thing as an easy draw but I knew I had a struggling Graeme Dott in the first round and then either Steve Davis or Stuart Bingham in the second. I knew if I could find some form anything could happen."