Baize of glory as Craigie savours UK run

TYNESIDE potter Sam Craigie is just three wins away from his biggest break yet on the green baize.

The 29-year-old from Walkergate, Newcastle, plays Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen tonight in the last eight of the UK Championship.

It is the furthest the world No 47 has ever progressed in one of snooker’s three major events – the UK, the Masters and the World Championships.

Craigie reached the last eight at York’s Barbican Centre with a 6-4 victory over Welshman Ryan Day – a player ranked 31 places above him.

That followed an opening-day success against reigning UK champion Zhao Xintong – a victory he described as the best of his career.

Afterwards he said: “The crowd was absolutely phenomenal.

“I have never felt anything like that before.

“At the start everyone was behind Zhao and it was midway through that it seemed to switch.

“I don’t know why but I am not complaining.”

Craigie faces Northern Ireland Open champion Allen in a best-of-11frame quarter-final at 7.00.

Meanwhile, Judd Trump’s poor record continued at York when he lost his quarter-final against Shaun Murphy 6-5.

The 33-year-old No 3 seed had led 5-3 before 2005 world champion

Murphy hit back to win three straight frames and leave Trump stunned.

The Bristol potter has only won the UK title once - in 2011 - and admited earlier this week he never performs at his best in this tournament.

However, there were no such problems for 2019 champion Ding Junhui, who defeated Welshman Jamie Clarke 6-1.

The Chinese ace was next due to face No 1 seed and tournament favourite Ronnie O’Sullivan today.