BetVictor Shoot Out – Day Two Round Up
Ryan Davies, a talented 16-year-old wild card, grabbed his chance in the spotlight at the BetVictor Shoot Out by beating experienced pro Robbie Williams.
Oldham potter Davies, the English under-18 champion , is through to the last 64 of the world ranking event in Watford, which has a unique format with all matches lasting a maximum of ten minutes.
A break of 21 gave him control, though Williams then had a chance to snatch victory in the last few seconds, but missed a tricky red when trailing 24-18.
Irish under-21 champion Stephen Bateman was another of the eight wild cards to book a second round place as he knocked out Mark Davis.
But former women’s world under-21 champion Emma Parker went out in the opening round, losing to India’s Laxman Rawat who made a break of 48.
Dominic ‘Spaceman’ Dale entertains the crowd
Dominic Dale, who won this event in 2014, got the better of Yuan Sijun while Michael Holt made a break of 61 to beat Zhou Yuelong.
Former World Champion Stuart Bingham compiled a run of 55 to get the better of Matthew Stevens, while another former Crucible king also progressed as Graeme Dott knocked out Martin O’Donnell. That ended O’Donnell’s hopes of qualifying for the Players Championship – read more on that story here.
Shaun Murphy got the better of Mark King while Luca Brecel made a superb break of 74 to beat Farakh Ajaib. Martin Gould, Shoot Out king in 2013, made an even 100 as he beat Liam Highfield.
Tour rookie Kishani Hirani knocked out Yan Bingtao, with a scoreline of 55-54. Yan had a chance for victory in the closing seconds but missed a tough double on the yellow.
Amateur Peter Devlin beat Ross Muir 35-16, sparking a jubilant celebration from the charismatic Londoner and his small army of fans in the crowd. Barry Pinches was another amateur to make it to round two as he beat 2017 Shoot Out winner Anthony McGill.
The tournament runs until Sunday – for ticket details click here