Martin Gould secured a place in the semi-finals of a major ranking event for just the second time in more than 18 months – but he was made to do it the hard way.

The world number 22, who won the German Masters last year, appeared to be in control of his International Championship quarter-final tie against Ali Carter when he was leading 5-3.

But the two-times World Championship finalist produced a stunning comeback to level at 5-5 and force a thrilling final frame decider.

But Carter’s efforts were left in vain as Gould showed brilliant composure with a match-winning break of 81 to reach the semi-finals of a major ranking event for the first time this season.

The last time Gould competed in the semi-finals of a major event was back in February when he was aiming to defend the German Masters title he won the year before by beating Luca Brecel in the final.

But Gould will have to upset the bookies odds if he is to reach the final of a major event yet again.

That’s because he next faces world champion and defending champion Mark Selby on Friday in the first best-of-seventeen semi-final.

The Jester from Leicester appears to have found his form after a slow start to the season. He now stands just two wins away from winning his first ranking title since lifting the World Championship in May.

This is after he cruised to a 6-2 win over Robbie Williams.

Despite a shaky start which saw Williams share the first four frames with last year’s International Championship winner, Selby then won four frames on the bounce with breaks of 81, 60 and 93 along the way.