McGill’s big break is of the unexpected variety

Anthony McGill benefited from an unscheduled break in impressive style by easing his way into the last 32 of the Dafabet Northern Ireland Open.

The Scot was due to be in action on the opening day in Belfast, but a late withdrawal from his opponent saw him into the second round without hitting a ball in anger. And the break paid dividends as McGill comfortably beat England’s Adam Duffy 4-1 to advance without really breaking sweat at the Waterfront Hall.

A last-frame break of 81 wrapped up McGill’s victory. He now faces China’s Li Yuan, the first of a potential Thursday doubleheader.

McGill said: “I think I was the better player in that game. I played all right in the first couple of frames and then went missing a little bit but, overall, it was quite good to get through. I was giving him easy chances and he got back into it, but thankfully it only lasted a frame. I had a bye to get to the second round which was nice. I had a chance to spend more time at home and, thankfully I’ve made the most of it. My form is good. I just hope things click on the practice table then I’ll see what happens.

“I’m trying my best. If I get beat, I get beat, if I win then it’s more wages. That’s the way I look at things.”

McGill was the only Scot in action in the first two sessions of the third day in Belfast, with Stephen Maguire, John Higgins and Ross Muir all set for action later. l Watch the Northern Ireland Open live on Eurosport, Eurosport Player and Quest with Colin Murray and daily studio analysis with Neal Foulds.

Anthony McGill