PETER Ebdon is aiming to give himself a Christmas bonus by becoming only the sixth player to complete snooker's big double - world and UK champion in the same year.

"It would be a fantastic Christmas if I can do it," he said after beating outsider Robert Milkins 9-4 at York's Barbican Centre last night.

First though, he has to take on world No 2 Mark Williams, who trounced Stephen Hendry 9-2 in last night's other quarter-final.

Milkins, the world No 33 from Gloucester, was in with a chance of springing a huge upset when he ended yesterday's first session level at 4-4. But he missed chances last night to take control of frames and was severely punished by the world champion, who made breaks of 101 and 74 in the last two frames respectively.

Although Milkins wasn't at all happy with his performance he received high praise from Ebdon.

"He is a very good player. He is not just the crazy potter some people say he is. His game is technically sound and his safety play is good.

"I think we will see a lot more of him in the future," the world champion predicted.

"I have great respect for him. He is a good all-round player and could soon be breaking into the world's top 16."

Of his own performance, Ebdon said; "I did what was necessary. I played better last night than in the afternoon because there was a bigger crowd and the atmosphere was good and that is my scene. Hopefully the best is yet to come.

"It would be nice to win the UK title in the same year as being world champion. Winning the UK championship is my first main aim of the season."

Williams took control against Hendry right from the start, winning the first seven frames, including a 119 break in the fourth.

"I never thought the score would be 9-2," he said. "I could never dream of beating anyone 9-2. Every time he missed I punished him."

Hendry's reaction to such a drubbing was: "I just didn't turn up on the day. I was hammered. I had chances in the first two frames but I could not settle or get into the game."

Ebdon and Williams play tomorrow for a place in Sunday's final. Ken Doherty's semi-final against Drew Henry started this afternoon and finishes tonight.

hugh.macdougall@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 10:52 Friday, December 13, 2002