By Clive Jones BBC Sport at The Crucible

Match report Stevens praises gritty Dott

Graeme Dott could hardly believe he had just clinched a place in the final after a titanic semi-final struggle against Matthew Stevens.

"I knew I played well and it was a high-standard game - but this is just massive, phenomenal," said Dott.

"I expected to lose that 32nd frame and I was preparing myself to play the last one of the match.

"But I felt quite comfortable and I have answered every question that has been asked of me."

Dott took a realistic approach to his chances in the final against Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Speaking of the enormity of facing up to such an overwhelming favourite, he said: "How do you stop a machine?

"If you can destroy someone like Stephen Hendry the way Ronnie did, what chance have I got?