Snooker: Steve Davis in deep trouble at the Crucible

STEVE DAVIS was today heading out of the Betfred.com World Championship unless he could produce the greatest comeback ever seen at the Crucible.

Neil Robertson opened up a 12-4 lead as Davis failed to reproduce the form which saw him beat defending champion John Higgins in the second round.

The 28-year-old Australian looked ready to win with a session to spare and earn himself today off when he led 12-2, but the frame needed to take him to the winning line proved elusive as Davis fought back.

Scotland's Graeme Dott recovered well to move onto level terms with Northern Ireland's Mark Allen at 8-8, ahead of this morning's final session while Mark Selby and Ronnie O'Sullivan were both below their best as they finished tied at 4-4.

Shaun Murphy leads Ali Carter 5-3.