New tour member Liam Davies got his Cazoo World Championship qualification campaign underway with an emphatic 10-3 win over Australia’s Ryan Thomerson at the English Institute of Sport.
Welshman Davies gained a two-year professional card, which starts next season, after winning the European Under-21 Championship last month. That came after two years of near misses on the Q Tour and at Q School.
In 2022, Davies became the youngest ever match winner in World Championship history with a victory over Aaron Hill. Since then, Davies has been touted for big things in the sport.
Davies crafted runs of 57, 50, 107 and 54 in today’s win, which earns him a second round encounter with Jimmy Robertson. After the match Davies admitted it is a weight off his shoulders to have professional status next season.
“It is a massive relief. I’ve been trying for two years and I’ve had a few near misses. It is character building. Not great at the time but it makes you a much stronger person,” said 17-year-old Davies.
“It is hard as it is without the added pressure (of trying to get on tour). You just have to take it in your stride. It can be tough when you lose a couple of games and lose confidence in yourself. I’ve got two years to look forward to now.”
Jenson Kendrick kept his tour survival hopes alive after holding off a spirited fightback from Women’s World Champion Bai Yulu to win 10-7.
Kendrick had led 6-2 after the opening eight frames, but Bai came roaring back into contention and eventually trailed by just two at 9-7.
The 17th frame saw Bai seemingly down and out when she needed two snookers. However, Kendrick hit the black when escaping a snooker on the last red and let Bai back in to force a re-spot. It was Kendrick who potted it to progress and earn a second round tie with Ben Woollaston.
Ross Muir came from 9-6 down to beat Hong Kong’s Ka Wai Cheung 10-9. Meanwhile, Michael Holt, who recently topped the Q Tour standings to return to the main circuit, lost out 10-6 to China’s Xing Zihao.
Welshman Andrew Pagett came through 10-9 against Andy Lee. That means Hong Kong’s Lee is relegated from the tour.
The afternoon session saw former Women’s World Champion Mink Nutcharut end level at 4-4 with Sheffield’s Adam Duffy, while Swiss number one Alexander Ursenbacher moved 9-0 up on Ukrainian Iulian Boiko.