Jones Stuns Selby In Bendigo

Jamie Jones scored a superb 5-1 win over world number one Mark Selby at the Australian Goldfields Open, to match his career best run in a ranking event by reaching the quarter-finals.

Neath’s Jones, ranked 38th, knocked in breaks of 79, 68 and 51 in a fine display against last year’s World Champion Selby. He now meets fellow Welshman Michael White.

“I knew I was up against it today so I had to get off to a good start,” said Jones, whose only previous ranking quarter-final came at the 2012 World Championship. “I know I can produce that kind of form, day in day out back at home, it’s just a matter of turning up at the big events and producing it on the TV.

“I’ve been doing a lot of running and maybe that has helped me. I’m feeling very good in myself and trying to give myself the best chance to win.

Michael and I grew up together, we lived a mile apart and went to the same school. So it will be great to play him tomorrow.

White, who won the Shoot-Out and Indian Open last season, edged out Ali Carter 5-4. He trailed 4-3 but got the better of a tight eighth frame then won a thrilling battle on the colours in the decider, potting the pink to secure victory.

“I feel as if I’ve been 12 rounds with Tyson,” said White. “I was so glad to pot the pink in the end. I played some good snooker at times and there are things I can take into the next match. Jamie and I travel together and I’ve been with him every day. It will be strange playing him here in Australia but hopefully it will be a good game.”

Four-time World Champion John Higgins beat Fergal O’Brien 5-1 with top breaks of 55, 53 and 98.

“I was lucky that Fergal didn’t play well today and I’m pleased to get through,” said Higgins.

Martin Gould impressed in a 5-3 win over Michael Holt, knocking in runs of 93, 109, 91 and 62. Londoner Gould said: “It was a good match with big breaks, we both played well and fortunately I’m the one who got through. In the first few nights here I was only getting three or four hours sleep, but for the last couple of nights it has been better. The jet lag is always a killer.”

Joe Perry came from 3-2 down to beat Robert Milkins 5-3, while Matthew Selt reached the last eight in Bendigo for the third time by beating Mark Joyce 5-4, making a classy break of 76 in the decider.

Friday’s quarter-finals:
1pm local time
Joe Perry v John Higgins
Jamie Jones v Michael White

7pm local time
Judd Trump v Stephen Maguire
Martin Gould v Matthew Selt