Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Aaron too big a Hill for Fergal
YOUNG Cork star Aaron Hill sent veteran Dubliner
Fergal O’brien packing in an all-irish clash at the Welsh Open yesterday.
Talented teenager Hill burst out of the blocks as breaks of 53 and 70 opened up a 2-0 cushion before O’brien used all his experience to level with 55 and 50 runs of his own.
But Hill went 3-2 up with a composed 59 visit and he held his nerve to pinch the sixth frame on the colours to set up a clash against either two-time Crucible finalist Ali Carter or home favourite Daniel Wells today.
Afterwards Hill said: “The frames are never over against Fergal, he battles so hard.
“When the restrictions are lifted maybe I can practice with him and learn about the tactical side of
the game. I learn every time I play him in events.”
Meanwhile, Mark Allen knows he needs to pull his finger out at this week’s Welsh Open.
The Antrim ace is in the last chance saloon to qualify for next week’s elite 16-man Players Championship.
Allen kicked off his title bid with a 4-2 win over Fraser Patrick and takes on either Nigel Bond or Rod Lawler for a last 32 spot.
“Knowing you have to perform can spur you on and hopefully that’s what happens for me,” admitted Allen, who needs to reach at least the semi-final.
Allen’s practice partner Jordan Brown locks horns with either speed king Thepchaiya Un-nooh or Sam Craigie today.
Dublin’s 1997 world champion Ken Doherty received a bye in the first round and faces Englishman Martin O’donnell.