DAY WINS ALL-WELSH BATTLE OF THE BAIZE
RYAN Day beat fellow Welshman Mark Williams 6-5 to reach the fourth round in the UK Snooker Championship in York.
The 37-year-old from Pontycymmer fought back from 4-1 down and secured victory by potting pink in the final frame.
Northern Ireland Open champion Williams built his lead with a top break of 102 before Day made 76 and 65 in recovering to 4-4 as Williams had to play with a new tip on his cue.
The next two were shared, then Williams had first chance in the decider but made just four before missing a red to a top corner. Day compiled a run of 68 which proved enough.
Day said: “I had to stay patient at 4-1 down. I could sense he wasn’t comfortable with the new tip.
“A victory like that only give you confidence. Mark is one of the best players ever to play the game.”
World number two Judd Trump’s UK Championship run ended in round three as Graeme Dott won six frames in a row to earn a shock 6-2 win.
Meanwhile, Michael White dubbed Ronnie O’Sullivan the greatest snooker player of all time as he prepares to face his idol today in the third round of the Betway UK Championship.
The Neath potter qualified for the showdown with ‘The Rocket,’ at the Barbican, after beating Matthew Selt 6-1, rounding off his win with a break of 142.
He said: “I have nothing to lose. He’s been the player of the season so far. In my eyes, he’s the greatest player that has ever played and it’s going to be a privilege to play him in the main arena. I’m just looking forward to it.
“I think I played him in a couple of events, but it’s going to be amazing. He’s been my idol growing up and he still is in a way.
“I need to get in the mindset that I’m not playing against anyone. I’m going to have to play at the very top of my game to beat him for sure.
“If I play like I did in the second round I stand every chance. It’s normally a pretty good crowd here. It’s going to be packed, so it should be a great occasion.”