Steve Davis in command after opening session
Steve Davis built on his success in the first round of the snooker world championship win over Mark King by taking a surprise 6-2 first session lead against John Higgins, and heads into the second session today in command of the tie.
The defending world champion was out of sorts, and Davis was able to capitalise in the opening frame, making a clearance of 53 to lead. Higgins responded well with his own break of 60 to level, but it was the six-time world champion who edged in front again. Higgins, not playing well at all, managed to level again at the interval, and it would have been Davis who was the unhappier of the players.
Four frames remained, and to the dismay of many, the 52-year-old won all of them. A crucial turning point of the match came in the sixth frame. Davis was first in with a break of 35, but Higgins came back with a well constructed 52, and looked to pinch the frame. However, the Wizard of Wishaw missed a red along the bottom cushion, and that allowed Davis to clear up and take a 4-2 lead.
Eventually, Davis won the last two frames, and looked in total command. He also made his first century break of the season with a 102 break, and received a grand round of applause from the appreciative Crucible crowd.
The match will resume today at 2.30pm, and at the moment Higgins has a lot to do to keep an in-form Nugget off the table.
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