Williams makes semi-final mark

But the 29-year-old Irishman was unable to completely bridge the gap and Williams finished the match with a flourish, stroking in a break of 97.

It was sweet revenge for the Welsh left-hander who was beaten by Doherty at the semifinal stage last year.

8220;I8217;ve got a bit more experience and I8217;ve won a few more tournaments since then,8221; Williams said.

Ronnie O8217;Sullivan set his sights on his first world title after beating former champion John Parrott in the quarter-finals.

Resuming with an 11-5 overnight lead, O8217;Sullivan saw his advantage cut to three frames at 12-9.

But Parrott8217;s comeback hopes were killed off when O8217;Sullivan won the 22nd frame to complete a 13-9 victory.

O8217;Sullivan said: 8220;The season hasn8217;t been as successful as it could have been. But that8217;s only down to myself and I8217;d like to put matters right by lifting the world title.8221;

O8217;Sullivan is bidding to become the first English player to win the title since Parrott8217;s success eight years ago.