Copen has reached the semi-final on his debut at the Masters

Stoke-on-Trent's Jamie Cope says he cannot wait to face China's Ding Junhui in the semi-final of the Masters.

Cope, in his first appearance at Wembley, beat Mark King 6-1 to guarantee at least a £30,000 pay-out.

The 25-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke: "I felt it was my good start that set me on the way to victory.

"When I won the sixth frame to go 5-1 ahead I knew I had won, and now Saturday evening can't come around quick enough."

Breaks of 52, 66, 51 and 53 helped Cope to a 4-0 interval lead. King pulled one back with a fine 102 and had chances in frame six, but could not take them and Cope made it 5-1.

606: DEBATE Ding vs Cope should be interesting, Ding on form and Cope picking some form up -toon-fan-pete-

King opened the next with a run of 40 before missing a red which was made tricky by awkward cueing. Cope replied with 52, and despite running out of position after potting the last red, he laid a snooker which gave him the opportunity to finish the job.

Cope added: "I felt 10 times better than I did last night. I didn't miss anything easy and my safety was spot on. I got used to the speed of the table and I felt more calm.

"I feel as if I can win it now and it would be amazing to do that. The more semis and finals you get to, the more you get used to it, and sooner or later I will win one."

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