Fitness Kick Powers Jones Fightback
Former Crucible quarter-finalist Jamie Jones said he could have “played all day” after summoning a late charge to come from 4-2 down to beat David Lilley 6-4 at Betfred World Championship qualifying.
Jones has enjoyed a strong season, having regained his professional status through Q School in 2020. The Welshman dropped off the tour at the end of the 2019 season whilst suspended. However, his return to the circuit has seen him produce some good snooker, including a run to the semi-finals of the 2020 Scottish Open.
Away from the table over the last year, Jones has been hitting the roads and regularly running. He showed his stamina for the fight today, turning on the style in the second half of the match.
Having trailed 4-2, back to back century runs of 117 and 100 helped him to turn the game on its head and establish a 5-4 lead. Jones then got himself over the line by claiming a tightly contested tenth frame.
Defeat for Lilley sees him drop off the circuit. Jones now faces former Shoot Out champion Michael Holt in round three.
“I could have played all day out there. As much pressure as there was and as tiring as it is trying to concentrate for that amount of time, I could have gone on for hours,” said 33-year-old Jones.
“I’ve been running up here in Sheffield. I’m either practising or stuck in the hotel, so I’ve got out running. I’m just enjoying my lifestyle at the moment. My life is different to how it was when I was on the tour before.
“That was probably one of my most pleasing wins of the season. At 4-2 down he was so solid, potting balls and good safety. It sums up my attitude since coming back on tour. I’m enjoying the battle out there.”
Former European Masters winner Jimmy Robertson sealed a massive 6-5 win over Zhao Jianbo to boost his hopes of tour survival.
Robertson would have been set to drop off the circuit had he lost this evening. He trailed 3-0, before producing gutsy snooker to turn the tie around.
Despite Zhao composing three centuries throughout the match, a break of 57 from Robertson in the decider was enough to eventually see him through. He faces Lu Ning up next, knowing that he is in a great position to stay on the circuit.
Robertson said: “I was absolutely devastated throughout the game. It was really tough and I felt sick during the whole match. To come through that and hold myself together in the end, I am so pleased. I never thought I would be in this position. It is my own fault.
“I’ve lost too many matches and first rounds this season. I got in a slump and a losing run, it has been very hard to get out of it. I’m in a good position now and I’m still in the tournament. That is all that matters.”
China’s Lyu Haotian became the first player to earn a Judgement Day spot with a 6-5 defeat of compatriot Gao Yang.
Lyu gets a bye through round three due to his scheduled opponent Noppon Saengkham returning a positive test for Covid-19.
Rod Lawler defeated Yuan Sijun 6-5 on the final black to keep his chances of tour survival alive. Defeat for Yuan sees him knocked off the circuit.
Jamie Clarke summoned an epic comeback from 5-0 down to defeat Jamie O’Neill 6-5.
Last year’s Crucible qualifying saw Clarke dramatically clinch a place at the Theatre of Dreams to retain his professional status. This evening’s herculean fightback saw the Welshman produce yet more drama. Clarke top scored with a break of 98 and will face Joe Perry next.
Jak Jones battled back from 4-1 down to beat 17-year-old prospect Jamie Wilson 6-4. Jones fired in breaks of 130, 63 and 70 on his way to overhauling Wilson. Next up he will face last year’s Crucible quarter-finalist Kurt Maflin.