The world No 1 defeated 16-year-old Reanne Evans from Dudley 4-0 in the semi-finals at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre today - and came close to creating a little piece of snooker history.

Fisher clinched victory with a break of 96, missing the penultimate red into the top right-hand pocket when poised to become the first woman to compile a century at the Crucible and beat Katie Henrick’s high break of 101 made in the qualifiers at Swindon.

Evans, competing in her first ranking event, did her best to stay with Fisher in the early stages but could not match her opponent’s firepower. A break of 76 made it 3-0 before Fisher completed victory in style.

Quick also won 4-0 against Belgium’s Wendy Jans with runs of 45, 30 and 41.

The 26-year-old from Weston-super-Mare, who beat Lynette Horsburgh 4-2 in last year’s final, will be determined to retain her title and deny Fisher her fourth world crown.

The best-of-seven frames final takes place on Sunday at 9.30am and admission to the public is free.