RONNIE O'Sullivan was leading the way with most centuries at this year's UK Championship ahead of the semi-finals and final.

Three tons in his opening win over Ian McCulloch, five in knocking out Alan McManus and three more in beating Quentin Hann put him top of the tree with 11.

His match against McManus contained six centuries in all, the most hundreds to date in one match at this year's championship.

Next best in the ton-up stakes is Yorkshire's Paul Hunter with six, three against Stephen Maguire and another three against Mark King. Then comes Stephen Hendry with five before today's semi-final showdown with O'Sullivan.

Allister Carter was leading the chase for the £7,5000 prize for the highest break made in the televised stages of the champion, with his 143 in the fifth frame of his 9-8 defeat by Stephen Hendry.

That break is equal best so far in this year's championship in York following Stuart Bingham's 143 in his first round win over Anthony Hamilton. Bingham wins £1,800 as the prize for the highest break in the first (pre-televised) stage of the championship.

The prize for anyone making a 147 maximum in the televised stages will be £25,000, on top of which will be added the highest break money. Should more than one player achieve a maximum or highest break the prize will be shared.

Tournament statistics up to but not including the semi-finals:

Highest break: 143 Allister Carter (v Stephen Hendry, round two), Stuart Bingham (v Anthony Hamilton, round one)

Most centuries: 11 Ronnie O'Sullivan, 6 Paul Hunter, 5 Stephen Hendry, 3 Alan McManus.

A total of 55 breaks of a century or more had been made by 25 players. A total of 17 matches contained no century breaks. By the end of play on Thursday night a total of 637 frames had been played in 44 matches since the championship began in York on November 18.

Longest match: 7hr 10min 17sec (Quinten Hann beating Chris Small 9-8, round two).

Shortest match: 2hr 40min 18sec (Matthew Stevens beating Paul Hunter 9-3 in quarter-finals).

Longest frame: 55min 38sec (Mark King v Alain Robidoux, round one).

Shortest frame: 6min 10sec (Allister Carter v Bjorn Haneveer, round one).

Updated: 09:54 Saturday, November 29, 2003