'Gentleman' Joe Perry needing to kick-start his challenge as a matter of urgency, began well in this final session of the match.
After trailing 10-6 overnight to world number five Allister Carter, the Cambridgeshire cueman looked more assertive than at any stage of this match. He comfortably won the opening two frames,with breaks of 62 and 50 helping him get within two frames of the Tiptree ace.
Perry restricted Carter to only 11 points in the opening two frames,and the 2008 runner-up didn't do much better in the next.He only managed another 23 points as Perry got right back into the match at 10-9 taking the third 78-23.
For the first time in the match, it was the 31 year old pilot who looked out of sorts. Perry took full advantage and showing great resolve rolled in a 63 break,his highest break of the match so far. In doing so clipping Carters' wings to leave the tie in the balance at 10-10.
Perry made it five in a row after securing the 21st frame, giving him the lead for the first time since being in front at 4-3. Again winning in convincing fashion, not allowing Carter to score a point.
Carters' response was immediate.He produced the type of form that helped capture his first ranking title, when lifting the 2009 Welsh Open. Rattling in breaks of 104 and 82 he moved to within one frame of victory at 21-11.
On the verge of dropping out of the elite top sixteen,Perry was given a lifeline when Carter missed on 40 leaving him 20 points behind. He negotiated a difficult red to the centre pocket,and chipped away at his deficit. With just one tricky red remaining,the world number 12 attempted to pot the red along the top cushion.
He missed but was fortunate not to leave a chance for Carter to steal. Forced to play safe,he layed a good snooker.
After Perrys' attempt to escape failed, a relieved Carter clinched the match with a solid 28 break.
He will play either Shaun Murphy or Ding Junhui in the quarter-final. A stage of the tournament he his appearing at for the third time in four years.
