Makin claims the non-English spot
[1] Joel Makin (Wal) 3-1 [5/8] Alan Clyne (Sco)11-4, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5 (53m)
The last match of the day featured the only remaining non-English competitors, and it was Wales' Joel Makin who justified his top seeding with a four-game win over Scotland's Alan Clyne.
Makin was well in charge in the first, 11-4, but Clyne capitalised on a quick start to the second to level 11-8. It was never comfortable, but Makin held the advantage through the next two games to clinch his first semi-final place 11-7, 11-5.
"Alan played a good game and came back well to take the second, I had to reset after that but managed to get through it.
"It was disappointing to miss the last two years getting injured in January so it's great to be here this year, the list of winners of this title is impressive and it means a lot to all of us.
"Adrian's a qualify player and he beat me in the World Teams so I know what I'm up against and what I have to do tomorrow, it's a big opportunity for both of us."
[3/4] Adrian Waller (Eng) v Richie Fallows (Eng) 11-8, 12-10, 10-12, 11-6 (66m)
Adian Waller reached his fourth Nationals semi-final with a hard fought four game win over yesterday's giant-killer Richie Fallows. Waller took two close opening games 11-8, 12-10 then let a sizeable lead slip as Fallows fought back, saving two match balls to reduce the deficit 12-10.
With Fallows involved in frequent discussions with the referee - sometimes comical, sometimes unnecessary - he went 6-2 up in the fourth, only for Waller to take the next nine points to seal the match 11-9.
"The first two games were very competitive, then I maybe eased off a little leading in the third, which was just enough for him to take advantage. Then I had to regroup after going down in the fourth, get back to where I was and scrap it out to get over the line."
Emily returns to the semis
[5/8] Emily Whitlock (Eng) 3-1 [3/4] Victoria Lust (Eng) 11-5, 11-1, 13-15, 11-7 (46m)
The first upset in the women's draw (excluding Alison Waters' unfortunate withdrawal) came as 5/8 seed Emily Whitlock reached her third Nationals semi-final with a four game win over 3/4 seed Vicky Lust, a match that went in patches.
Emily was dominant in the early stages, taking the first two games 11-5, 11-1 with Vicky becoming frustrated at her own lack of impact on the match. Emily led 6-2 in the third but Vicky fought back, earning two game balls at 10-8 and saving two match balls before reducing the deficit 15-13.
Emily was in front for the whole of the fourth though, and this time needed only one match ball, reaching the last four 11-7.
"Vicky's a good player, she gets physical and makes it difficult the whole time. We gave the ref a bit of a hard time, glad we had a good one!
"I'm delighted to get through - I didn't realise Alison had withdrawn, I hope she recovers quickly. I've never played Jazz in a match before so that will be fun."
Willstrop still going strong
[2] James Willstrop (Eng) 3-0 [5/8] Declan James (Eng) 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 (43m)
Defending champion James Willstrop looked in impressive form as he despatched Declan James in straight games in the afternoon session's final match.
Always ahead, Willstrop looked to have the measure of Declan today.
"If you've seen Declan's performances at the World Teams you'll know they were inspiring, so I knew what I was likely to be up against today.
"I didn't know what was in store, but I'm happy to have played well and really pleased to be playing in the semi-finals tomorrow."
Millie comes through a thriller
[3/4] Millie Tomlinson (Eng) 3-2 [5/8] Lucy Turmel (Eng) 11-6, 4-11, 11-9, 6-11, 12-10 (70m)
Playing in her third Nations quarter-final in a row, Millie Tomlinson justified her 3/4 seeding to reach a first semi-final, but only just!
It was Lucy Turmel's first appearance at this stage but the 20-year-old under the guidance of Laura Massaro certainly wasn't overawed as she matched Millie for five games.
Millie took the lead, twice, as Lucy levelled twice to setup a decider, 11-6, 4-11, 11-9, 6-11. Lucy led 5-2, Millie rallied to lead 10-6 but she needed a fifth match ball to progress 12-10.
"Relieved is the right word!
“Playing at home in Nottingham should be an advantage, even though I'm not keen on glass courts,but it's great having friends and family here to watch and support me.
"I'm playing SJ next who also had a tough five setter, I hope she's as tired and stressed out from it as I am!"
George lets his arm go to despatch Daryl
George Parker (Eng) 3-0 [3/4] Daryl Selby (Eng) 11-6, 11-9, 11-5 (41m)
It was great to see Daryl Selby back on court after yesterday's eye injury scare - "I've been playing for 33 years and never been close to being hit on the eye, it just goes to show" - for his 13th Nationals quarter-final in 17 appearances.
He was up against rising star George Parker, who yesterday took out in-form 5/8 seed Greg Lobban in five games, and he continued that form as he despatched Daryl in straight games.
George took the lead in all three games, the closest Daryl got was recovering to 9-all in the second but George took the win 11-6, 11-9, 11-5 to reach his first Nationals semi-final after bowing out at the quarter-final stage the last two times.
"I'm just enjoying the tournament, no pressure, no ranking points so I can relax my head and let my arm go which is what I did today.
“I thought I was on top but Daryl always seems to get one more back, so you get nervous and hit lower and lower but I hit more winners than tins."
SJ survives against fired up Jules
[1] Sarah-Jane Perry (Eng) 3-2 [5/8] Julianne Courtice (Eng) 6-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 11-4 (47m)
Top seed Sarah-Jane Perry reached her fourth Nationals semi-final, but was pushed all the way by Julianne Courtice, who raced off to a 6-0 lead in the opening game as she took the lead 11-6.
The second was close until SJ took the final two points to level 11-9 but Jules retook the lead 11-6 to set up the prospect of a massive upset. It wasn't to be though as SJ held the lead throughout the fourth, levelling the match 11-6, and there was no way back for Jules after SJ went 8-0 up in the decider, taking the match 11-4.
"I had two opponents out there today, no no the ref, Jules and myself! I just wasn't putting her under enough pressure, at least not until the fifth. Some of that was me but a lot was down to how she was playing.
"The Nationals has been a mixed bag for me, I won it as a lower seeded player then lost in the first round the next year!
"I'd love to be in the final, I had to come and watch it last year, but there are some really tough opponents in the way. It's a pity that Tesni's not here this year,but she already has two titles and it would be nice to catch up with her!"
