Four Ton Gould On Top of Maguire

Martin Gould rattled in four centuries as he took a 7-2 lead over Stephen Maguire in the first session of their Betfred World Championship clash.

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The pair came into this tournament with contrasting fortunes so far this season, as Gould was in danger of tour relegation while Maguire was on a high having won the Tour Championship. But Gould came through the qualifying rounds to secure his pro status and is now playing with freedom and confidence.

After sharing the first two frames, the former German Masters champion reeled off five in a row with breaks of 103, 77, 103, 100 and 83. Maguire took frame eight on the colours but Gould finished the session on top with another run of 103.

He became the second player today – after Mark Allen – to make four centuries in a session. Both are within one of equalling Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record of five tons in a best-of-19 match at the Crucible, set in 2000 against David Gray.

Londoner Gould needs three more frames when they resume on Wednesday evening to reach the last 16 in Sheffield for the third time.