World Championship 2012 (Day 13) - Carter and O'Sullivan in front after first session

Captain Carter takes a good start

The semi-finals are underway at Sheffield's Crucible Arena and after the first session two players put their nose in front, Ali Carter and Ronnie O'Sullivan, both using the same 5-3 scoreline.

Carter has had to face Maguire in his quest for a place in the grand final and the fact that it's not going to be an easy job for both of them, is a well known fact as the lads have come very well prepared into this tournament.

As an example, the first two frames were really edgy and scrappy, in the end the one who prevailed being Maguire, who was now 2-0 up already.

Still, by the time the mid-session interval was kicking off, Carter was sure to draw level with runs of 72 and 91. The game was on!

At returning into the arena, Carter managed to put his nose in front after a very tense and long frame, which was won on the last black, but Maguire levelled the match at three apiece with a great 82.

Runs of 65, 36 and 24 were hit in the process of taking off, 'Captain' Carter securing his entrance into the second session with a considerable lead of 5-3.

O'Sullivan not in a great form, but still leading

Ronnie O'Sullivan and Matthew Stevens engaged in what supposedly was a very entertaining match, but for me personally was more of a bore, since both players missed huge chances to make a consistent break or to maintain their turn at the table.

The interval found O'Sullivan with a 4-0 lead over the Welshman, after the first two frames were practically handed to Ronnie after Matthew called a foul on himself, the next two being taken with runs of 66 and 49.

However, as the lads retuned Stevens pulled back two frames, the biggest break hit being a 47, before O'Sullivan reinstalled his dominance at 5-2.

The session was ended with a very important contribution from the Welshman, a break of 80, narrowing the gap at just two frames, 5-3.

Tomorrow the action continues with the same line-up, as it follows:

10am
SF1 Stephen Maguire 3-5 Ali Carter

2.30pm
SF2 Ronnie O'Sullivan 5-3 Matthew Stevens

7pm
SF1 Stephen Maguire v. Ali Carter
TV coverage: