Can Steve Davis really win the world 9-ball championship? The conversion of doubters continued Friday night at the jam-packed Cardiff International Arena as Davis dispatched his third consecutive world champion to reach the Elite Eight of the Victor Chandler World Pool Championship in Cardiff, Wales.

The 43-year-old, six-time world snooker champion, who had ousted defending champion Efren Reyes of the Philippines and Ralf Souquet of Germany, coasted past the error-prone Takahashi, winner of the '98 world title. Davis led 4-2 when Takahashi drew the cue ball into the corner pocket playing from the 8 ball to the 9.

Davis held leads of 6-2, 8-3, 9-4 and 10-5, before closing out the match after Takahashi failed to make a ball on the break in the final game. "To be fair to myself, Takahashi played an awful match," admitted the surprised Davis. "This is the same player who ran nine straight games against Steve Knight. There was anxiety leading from the front.

"Still, I can't believe I've got this far. It's ruining my golf game!" Davis moves on to Saturday's quarterfinals, where he will meet American youngster Corey Deuel, who blew a 9-4 lead over countryman Jon Kucharo before eking out an 11-10 win in Friday's final match.

The semifinal and final matches will be played Sunday, with $60,000 from the $250,000 prize fund going to the new world champion.

Round of 16 - July 7

Steve Davis (ENG) def. Kunihiko Takahashi (JAP) - 11-6
Corey Deuel (USA) def. Jon Kucharo (USA) - 11-10