Scott Donaldson storms into Welsh Open semi-finals

World No.77 Donaldson, playing in his first quarter-finals of a ranking event, settled quicker than his Chinese opponent, who was also appearing in his first ranking quarter-final. The 22-year-old Scot made a break of 62 to win the opening frame, before winning the next two frames to open a 3-0 lead. Zhou, 19, had a chance to reduce the deficit before the interval but missed a difficult pink, leaving Donaldson in to extend his lead. Donaldson then won the fifth frame to secure his place in the semi-final.

Donaldson, who made his professional debut in 2012 after earning his place by winning the European Amateur Championship in Latvia, has had an impressive week with five wins over players in the world’s top 64. After defeating England’s Jack Lisowski 4-1 in the opening round he then defeated Mark King 4-2. A 4-0 whitewash of Jimmy Robertson set up a last-16 encounter with Mark Davis, where he came from 3-2 behind to win 4-3 to reach the quarter-finals. Today’s win over Zhou guarantees Donaldson a career biggest pay day of £20,000 but as importantly some valuable ranking points which could take him into the world top 64.

Donaldson said: “I am feeling really good about my game. I have played a lot of TV matches recently and I am starting to get used to it.

“I am not even thinking about the possibility of reaching the final. I know Judd is going to be a very tough match but I will just do what I have been doing so far and take it one shot at a time and just seeing where that takes me.“

Trump is hoping to win his second ranking title of the season having claimed the European Masters in October. Donaldson and Trump will battle it out over 11 frames on tomorrow for a place in the final.