World number two Mark Selby will face Marco Fu in the semi-finals of the Haikou World Open today after easing to victory over Alan McManus.
Selby lost the opening frame to the Scot but hit back with five consecutive frames to claim a 5-1 win in the quarter-finals.
The Leicester cueman will now meet Hong Kong’s Fu in the last four after the 36-year-old defeated Mark Joyce 5-3.
Selby admitted winning the second frame had been crucial in his match against Glasgow’s McMa-nus after he nicked it by clearing the table from brown to black.
“The second frame was a turning point because I could have gone 2-0 down,” Selby told worldsnooker.com.
“I won 5-1 but it could have been a lot closer. Alan’s been in a bit of form this season and I’m chuffed for him because he’s a great guy.
“I got to the semis here a few years ago and lost 6-5 to Mark Allen so hopefully I can go further this time. I’ve still got a bit of a cold but I feel better than yesterday.”
First ranking title
Selby, who is aiming for his first ranking title of the season, will play Fu who is in the hunt for his second after winning the Australian Goldfields Open last July.
Like Selby, Fu lost the first frame to Joyce following a 77 break, but came back with runs of 71 and 104 to edge ahead before being pegged back by Joyce, who took a 3-2 lead.
However, the experienced Fu responded with an 89 to level before claiming the next two frames for victory.
“It was a tough match,” Fu said.
“I’ve played Mark several times and today was his best performance. I was in trouble many times and he seemed to be taking every chance.
“I was playing consistently, similar to previous matches, but I definitely had to bring my best to beat him, because there weren’t many chances.”
Fu also knows there will be no let up against his next opponent.
“It’s going to be very tough against Mark Selby,” he added.
“He’s an experienced player, and without winning a ranking title yet this season he must be determined and well prepared. I will enjoy the semi but it will be tough anyway.”