Wizard Powers Past The Outlaw

John Higgins saw off Joe Swail 5-2 to progress on the final day of World Open qualifying in Preston.

The Scot has enjoyed a strong showing this week in Preston, having clinched places at the final stages of the Indian Open, European Masters and now the World Open. Higgins was making his first ranking event appearances since reaching a sixth world final in May, where he was denied a fifth Crucible crown by Mark Selby. Today he made runs of 54, 69 and 70 as he booked his place in Yushan.

Allan Taylor staged a superb comeback to defeat Anthony Hamilton 5-4 from 4-0 down.

Taylor dropped off the tour at the end of last season, but bounced straight back by restoring his professional status at Q School. Hamilton had looked set to sign off a perfect week in Preston, having already qualified for the Indian Open and European Masters, until Taylor came back from the brink. The 32-year-old secured the comeback courtesy of breaks of 67, 65, 64 and 52.

Jack Lisowski edged out former World Under 21 Champion Xu Si 5-4 to progress to the final stages.

The Englishman had led 3-1 thanks to contributions of 112, 52 and 56. However, Xu fought back to force a decider. It was Lisowski who got himself over the line, making a break of 67 to seal the win.

Barry Hawkins swept to a 5-0 whitewash of David John to seal his place in Yushan.

The Hawk suffered a surprise defeat earlier in the week at the hands of Ken Doherty, but recovered in style this afternoon making breaks of 129, 66 and 54 as he eased past the Welshman.

Michael Holt wasn’t troubled by tour debutant Billy Joe Castle, as the Hitman came through a 5-1 victor. It took Holt just over two hours to round off the win.

Eden Sharav produced a spirited fightback to defeat Rory McLeod and secure his place in China in a narrow 5-4 victory. Sharav trailed 4-2 before forcing a decider. He held his nerve making a run of 40 to get over the line.

For full scores click here.