The Triple Crown winners meet in a repeat of the 2013 final, while the unfancied Liang Wenbo and David Grace are also in the last four
5/4 – Mark Selby to beat Neil Robertson
Neil Robertson sealed his place in the semi-finals by clinching a final-frame decider against John Higgins.
And the Australian is attempting to win the UK Championship for the second time in three years.
“Probably not too many people have done that,” said Robertson. “I’ve won everything in the game and I’m trying to repeat that success.
“I have to motivate myself every season now to win things I’ve already won just to build my own legacy.”
To do that, though, the Thunder from Down Under will have to arrest his four-match losing run against fellow Triple Crown winner Mark Selby.
The last time Robertson defeated the world No. 1 was, intriguingly, in the final of the UK Championship two years ago.
Selby, meanwhile, reached the last four after recording a 6-1 victory over Matthew Selt.
That was the fourth time this tournament he has won for the loss of one frame or less, but the Jester from Leicester knows how well he must play to claim his second UK Championship.
“Neil’s playing great – probably playing the best so far in the tournament,” said 2012 winner Selby.
“It’s going to be a tough game, but I’ll relish it as always.
“Very rarely Neil plays a poor match… I don’t think he’s got any weaknesses.”
Neither, though, does Selby.
30/100 – Liang Wenbo to beat David Grace
David Grace faces Liang Wenbo in the last four after achieving a remarkable comeback against Martin Gould on Friday.
Grace was on the brink of defeat but won five frames on the spin to clinch a 6-5 victory in what was the match of the tournament so far.
The Leeds-born world No. 81 is remaining calm, despite receiving a standing ovation from the York crowd and earning his biggest ever pay day.
“Same as I’ve been doing all week,” said Grace when asked how he would deal with the pressure.
“Just try and prepare for the next match as if I’m coming in fresh. I’ve felt confident all week.”
Liang, meanwhile, started his quarter-final against Marco Fu with three century breaks before winning a final-frame decider for the second successive match.
Those results – plus his earlier triumph against Judd Trump – has naturally given the Chinese belief.
“Of course,” said the 28-year-old when asked if he can win the tournament.
“I’ll try and just enjoy it. I’ve got confidence in myself.”
Neither player has experience of this situation, but Liang should progress.
A £10 bet on the double returns £29.25*.
Special: Place a match winner bet on the semi-finals or the final at the Betway UK Championship and if the player you back loses by one frame, we’ll refund losing bets with a free bet equal to your stake up to £25.
Betway UK Championship betting
*Odds and amounts correct at time of publication but subject to change. See site for latest.
