HOLDER Clive Whyte (He-worth) saw off the challenge of Bootham's Tim Fillingham in York Conservative Clubs Scruton Cup.

The snooker ace will now face another Bootham player, Barry Rankin in the semi-final.

Rankin, champion in 1993 and 1994, beat Ken Taylor, who has won the competition more times than anyone else, 2-0.

Heworth's Neil Wood, who won the competition three times between 1999 and 2001, beat Jeff Brown 2-0. He will now tackle Steve Burdett, whom he beat in the 2001 final.

Burdett booked his place in the semis with the help of a 39 break against Dave Taylor.

Whyte had breaks of 38 and 33 in a 2-1 win over Gary Robinson (Acomb) in the Foster's Challenge. Robinson included a break of 32.

Whyte's next opponent is Richard Stroughair (Fulford).

Taylor will face Brian Birth after beating Burdett 2-0, while Jeff Brown included a 32 break in his 2-0 win over Ray Stamp. Brown will next entertain Steve Rodgers and Keith Lawrence will play team-mate Kevan Gall.

Defending Hylton Foster Billiards KO Cup champion Tim Fillingham will play George Tingle in this year's semi-final.

Tingle beat Richard Stroughair, the 2-1 winner, by a single point.

Ken Taylor, twice a past champion, will play John Ashwell, who had a two-point victory over Colin Robinson.

Updated: 10:58 Wednesday, March 12, 2003