HOT-SHOT Jimmy Waddington roared into the last four of the Foster’s Golden Cue semi-final Small Tables competition after coming from behind to beat team mate Andy Bates from the Lamb Club, Barrowford, in a real thriller.

Bates, renowned for his power potting, stormed into a 1-0 lead, before Waddington edged a second frame to level the match.

Then Waddington went into overdrive, punishing a Bates mistake, and cleared up with a sparkling 93 break to take control 2-1.

But there was nothing between the and Bates was quickly back in the groove again, taking the fourth to set up a decider.

The final frame, perhaps understandably, proved a nervy affair, and referee Kevin Catlow asked both players for a re-rack.

But it was Bates who took charge, edging 30 in front with one red left and with Waddington trapped in a very difficult snooker behind the yellow, Bates appeared favourite to book a place in the semis.

However, Waddington stepped up another gear, using his skill and guile to escape the snooker.

He then potted the final red and clearing the table to win by one point in front of a very appreciative audience at Ighten Leigh Social Club.

The tie between Brad Southern and Andy Harris was due to be played last night, with Peter Doyle going head to head with Kevin Hodkinson tomorrow while Jamie Lingard meets Tony Greenwood on Thursday.

Large Table Finals: June 7: Russell Large (Poplar) v Chris Ashton or Peter Mercer; June 8: Dean Emmott (Colne Legion) v Don Emery (Colne Snooker Club); June 9: Josh Foster (Broughton Road) v Simon Blackwell (British Rail) June 11: Dan Paton (Rolls Royce) v Kevin Dowbiggin (Rolls Royce).