Fu Fights Back To Weather The Storm

Marco Fu came from behind to defeat Sean O’Sullivan and clinch his place at the World Open with a 5-3 win at qualifying in Preston.

The three time ranking event winner had trailed 3-1, but he made an important run of 58 in the fifth frame to peg O’Sullivan back to 3-2.  Further breaks of 47, 62 and 100 helped Fu to take the remaining frames and book his place in Yushan.

Mark Williams eased through to the final stages after dispatching Christopher Keogan 5-0.

The two-time World Champion took the opening frame on the black and from there he swept up the remaining frames, making runs of 56 and 67 along the way.

Ken Doherty continued his brilliant form with a 5-3 defeat of Robbie Williams. The Darling of Dublin recently reached the semi-finals of the Riga Masters and has backed that performance up by progressing in all three events at qualifying this week.

Mark Allen ensured his progress with a 5-1 win over world number 80 Wang Yuchen.

Allen, a two time World Open winner, recently celebrated the birth of daughter Harleigh and like Doherty he has managed to win all three matches this week.

Stephen Maguire defeated Australia’s Matthew Bolton 5-1 to seal his place in Yushan. There were breaks of 61, 73 and 59 for the 2004 UK Champion.

For full scores click here.