Rising Star Donaldson Knocks Out Wilson
Scott Donaldson, one of the most improved players on the circuit in recent years, scored an impressive 5-2 win over Kyren Wilson at the BetVictor European Masters.
Perthshire’s 25-year-old Donaldson has jumped from 93rd to 26th in the world rankings since 2015, reaching four semi-finals. And he is targeting another deep run in Austria this week; he faces Ding Junhui in the last 16 on Thursday.
Breaks of 96, 55, 57, 58 and 50 helped the Scot to a fine win over world number eight Wilson.
“I played well, I know I’m capable of beating these guys on my day. I am just looking to enjoy it when I’m out there,” said Donaldson. “It’s not rocket science, I’ve just been working on my game and finding little clues here and there which might help my performance. The one thing I want to do is get used to the TV tables because that’s something I have not mastered. I can play some really good stuff on outside tables.
“Everyone on the tour wants to win tournaments, that’s why we play snooker and that’s why we play for hours a day.”
Donaldson now needs to win just one more match either this week or at next week’s BetVictor German Masters to go above Ben Woollaston in the race to qualify for the Coral World Grand Prix in Cheltenham. For more on that story click here.
“I’m good mates with Ben so it’s funny he’s the one I’m chasing. If I get above him I’ll give him some abuse on WhatsApp,” added Donaldson. “It’ll be tough to get into the World Grand Prix but that’s not what I’m thinking about, I’m just trying to keep my head down and play well.”
Three-time World Champion Mark Selby eased to a 5-2 win over Jak Jokes to set up a match with Barry Hawkins. Runs of 80, 78 and 73 helped Selby into round four.
Hawkins came from 2-1 down to beat David Lilley 5-2 with a top break of 80 while China’s Xiao Guodong saw off Alfie Burden 5-3 with a top run of 121.