The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
McGill’s high five secures Ding meeting
Scot goes nap to complete comeback against Welsh potter Day
Anthony McGill says he was forced to dig deep after fighting back from 8-5 down to see off Ryan Day 10-8 in the world snooker championships first round yesterday.
The Glasgow potter struggled for much of the contest but won five frames in a row in a match low on quality but high in drama.
Despite being the seeded player in this contest, McGill was widely considered the underdog against Day – who has claimed two ranking titles this season.
However, he now goes onto face Chinese potter Ding Junhui with a spring in his step and smile on his face which was lacking for much of this match.
“To play well when it matters is great. I love it here.
“It is a world championship, it is worth trying in. If you are not at 100% then you have given up,” he said.
“From the position I was in at 8-5, I needed to win
“To play well when it matters is great – I love it here”
5-0 or 5-1. I did not think I could do that with the way I was playing but I did play a bit better.
“That is what happened last year. I played Stephen Maguire and I was 7-2 down overnight. I came back and I never settled – I knew I was going to get beat basically.
“But this year I had a bit more fight about me and it shows what can happen.”
Things don’t get easier for McGill, with a tough battle against world number three Ding, a former finalist at the Crucible Theatre.
“He is crushing guys like that and it shows you the challenge I am in for,” he added.
“I should be going home but I will be trying my absolute best. Ding is one of the best break builders there has ever been in the game.
“I am in for tough fight but at least I am still fighting.” l Watch the snooker world championship live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with Colin Murray and analysis from Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jimmy White and Neal Foulds.