Ricky Walden opened up a 6-2 lead over Barry Hawkins in the first session of their World Snooker Championship semi-final at the Crucible.

Walden scored a century as he dominated the opening four frames to lead 3-1.

The 30-year-old from Chester made another impressive ton in the fifth frame before 34-year-old Hawkins recovered to take the sixth.

But Walden nicked the next and won the last to go into Friday's second session four frames ahead.