Paul Hunter stands three frames from a quarter-final place at the Crucible after his second session against Welsh pal Matthew Stevens.

UK champion Stevens seemed set to give Hunter a severe examination when he led 5-4 early in the penultimate session.

But the world number eight from Leeds roared back to take control by the end of the evening.

The Wembley Masters winner Hunter clinched six of the next seven frames to gain a commanding 10-6 lead.