Steve Davis, who turned professional the year UK Championship semi-finalist Paul Hunter was born, paid a glowing tribute to the Yeadon starlet in Bournemouth last night.

Davis' longer-than-normal run in the tournament ended in a 9-4 defeat against the 20-year-old from Moortown.

Hunter, who practises at the Dragons Health Club at Yea-don, now meets world champion and world No 1 John Higgins for a place in Sunday's final.

"I do like the way Paul plays snooker," said Davis, appearing in the UK quarter-finals for the first time in five years.

"He has got some great qualities. He pots a good pressure ball, doesn't make too many mistakes and is an excellent safety player.

"As an all-rounder, he is close to being perfect, but I didn't really put him under any pressure."

Hunter, who beat Davis and Higgins on his way to the Welsh Open title in Newport last season, laid the foundation for victory in a one-sided first session, taking it 7-1.

Stoke City fan Dave Harold meets Welshman Matthew Stevens in the other semi-final.

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