David Gilbert has a spring in his step going into the German Masters semi-finals on Saturday after he defeated both world number one Mark Selby and Neil Robertson on Friday.

The 37-year-old from Derby had to battle all the way to oust Selby in a thrilling 5-4 contest earlier on Friday before then returning for the evening session to line up against Robertson in the quarter-finals.

Gilbert looked like bowing out against the 36-year-old Australian as he trailed 3-1 and was struggling to rediscover the form that helped him overcome Selby.

However, his play clicked into gear as he took the next four frames, with respective breaks of 57, 120, 62 and 50, to win 5-3 and ensure he will compete in just the third semi-final of a ranking event of his playing career.

Gilbert told World Snooker: “This is one of the best venues we play at but I have never done well here before.

“To beat Mark and Neil on the same day is great. I was abysmal in the four frames tonight but I stuck in there, and from 3-1 down I found some rhythm.”

Gilbert will face Duane Jones in the semi-finals after the world number 90 continued his impressive run by also coming back from 3-1 down to defeat Ding Junhui 5-3.

The 25-year-old Welshman said: “I didn’t play my best but I played decent in spells, and Ding let me off the hook. I have been practising like a madman back home, so I knew my game was in good shape.

“The fans here love the underdog. I have seen a few players I grew up with getting to semi-finals this season, like Eden Sharav, and I’ve been sitting at home watching on TV thinking I’d love to have a crack myself. It’s a dream come true.”

Jones is 4.00 to win the semi-final while Gilbert is priced at 1.22.