REIGNING champion Kevan Shaw from Westhoughton and Ian Broadhurst from Macclesfield have qualified for the semi-fina ls of the Alexandra Classic.

These two are the first qualifiers for the last four of the event, which is sponsored by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and Scottish and Newcastle Retail.

On Saturday, Kevan produced the sort of form that clinched the trophy last year and put together significant breaks in both his rounds to secure a place in the last four.

In his opener he defeated local player Vincent O'Donnell who began well to go 9-4 in front.

However, a 12 break from the champion put him 16-9 ahead, but Vincent replied to level up at 17-17.

Another six break followed by five more with just one in reply put him on his way to 31-23.

His qualifier against yours truly was a similar story as I took the lead in the early stages and remained in control at 15-11.

But a 10 break by the Westhoughton man gave him the confidence to go on to a comfortable 31-19 win.

On Sunday, Ian reached the final day for the first time after ending the hopes of two very good local bowlers who were fancied to go all the way in the sweep.

In his opener he had a stiff task at least on paper against Harry Hargreaves, who had looked in good form early in the game.

For the opening dozen ends there was nothing between them at 8-8, but a decisive 10 break by Ian altered the course of the contest. After a decent opening spell Harry faced an uphill battle and although he stuck to a difficult task he was never able to reduce the deficit before Ian weighed in 31-25.

Meanwhile Mick Chapman and Colin Campbell were having a good tussle at least up to the half way mark.

From a 10-9 lead Mick drew away to 19-10 before Colin stopped the rot and began to reduce the arrears to 21-14.

However, it was only a temporary recovery for Colin who quickly fell further behind as Mick eventually ran out 31-18.

The eliminator had all the ingredients for a great contest and the attentive crowd of spectators were not disappointed.

Both Ian and Mick provided a classic encounter for the supporters and as the pattern and tactics of the game unfolded each player had an opportunity to win.

Mick began where he left off in his opening game and soon took the lead 9-4 and later at 16-10 looked threatening to run away to victory. Although Ian reduced the deficit it was nip and tuck until he took the lead for the first time in the contest 23-22.

When the Macclesfield man went ahead 28-24 he was clear favourite, but Mick never gave up and replied to level matters 28-28.

The next three ends were very close, but agonising for Mick who saw the game elude him as Ian crept home with three vital singles 31-28.

Results Third round: K Shaw 31, V O'Donnell 23; T Connell 31, J Rushton 14; I Broadhurst 31, H Hargreaves 25; M Chapman 31, C Campbell 18.

Fourth round: Shaw 31, Connell 19; Broadhurst 31, Chapman 28.

Remaining third and fourth round matches this weekend - Saturday: M Wensley (Clitheroe), J Metters (Blackburn), P Fielding (Rochdale), B Tomlinson (Blackburn.

Sunday: B Duncan (Preston), G Hilton (Blackburn), S Mort (Wigan), B Tuson (Chorley).

Finals Day is next Saturday, July 10.

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