Jones
Jamie Jones scored a stunning 10-2 win over Ricky Walden to earn his first appearance in the televised stages of the Betfred.com World Championship.

 

The 24-year-old from Neath did the hard work in the first session, going 8-1 up with breaks of 56, 62, 70, 53 and 52. And he added the two frames he needed tonight to deny former Shanghai Masters champion Walden a trip to the Crucible. Instead it's up and coming Jones who goes into the draw (1.30pm on Monday, live on Talksport) for the first round proper at snooker's Theatre of Dreams.

 

Jones has been tipped for stardom ever since he beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in a televised exhibition frame as a 13-year-old. He struggled to climb the rankings after turning professional in 2006, but has improved dramatically over the past two seasons and is now pushing for a top 32 place.

 

"It hasn't sunk in yet that I'm going to the Crucible, it's crazy," said Jones, who reached the final of a PTC event last season. "I went there as a spectator about ten years ago and I was barely even watching the matches, I was just dreaming of playing there. Maybe it will sink in when the draw comes out.

 

"To be 8-1 up today was flattering, and in between sessions I was very nervous and shaky because I knew it was mine to lose. I just wanted to get the two frames I needed.

 

"I had a lot of momentum coming here because I did well in the PTC Grand Finals. I beat John Higgins there which helped me a lot because it was a big crowd and I had never experienced that before. I felt a lot more at home in front of the crowd today, I was able to settle down and play well.

 

"I'd be happy to draw Ronnie O'Sullivan because it would be a big occasion. I'm going to the Crucible with nothing to lose, I'm just going to enjoy the occasion."

 

 

Ken Doherty, the 1997 World Champion, won 10-9 in a dramatic finish against Anthony Hamilton.

 

Irishman Doherty led 6-3 after the first session, with top breaks of 112 and 110. He later led 9-7 before Hamilton bravely battled back to 9-9. And the Nottingham cueman looked favourite when he led 52-8 in the decider, but made a crucial error when he failed to reach the brown when trying to roll up. From the chance that followed, Doherty made a fantastic 62 clearance.

 

"It feels beautiful," said Doherty. "He played so well and I couldn't shake him off. It was the toughest match I could have had. In the last frame I had resigned myself to losing. The clearance I made was one of the best of my career because there was so much at stake.

 

"Last year I was 6-3 up on Jimmy Robertson and lost, then I found it difficult to be at the Crucible and not playing. It's just such a relief to be in the mix this time."

 

World No 18 Mark Davis secured his Crucible berth by beating Robert Milkins 10-5. Davis led 6-3 after the first session with top breaks of 72, 84 and 73, and added the four he needed tonight with a best effort of 88.

 

"It didn't feel like a convincing win because you're giving 110 per cent in every frame," said Sussex's 39-year-old Davis. "Rob is a very tough opponent and he can reel off frames. I had a bit of run which makes a difference. You wan't to finish the season at the Crucible on a high, not sitting at home watching on TV.

 

"I know what I can do and I'm in a good frame of mind. I've been working with Terry Griffiths and it's helping. I used to lack self belief, I didn't fancy beating anyone.

 

"I've had chances to get into the top 16 this season, and I do want to get in, but it's not that big a deal. If an old biddy like me got in for the first time I'm sure it would be a record."

 

Ryan Day came from 7-3 down to beat Gerard Greene 10-8 and boost his hopes of keeping his top 32 place. Runs of 73, 112, 69 and 52 helped Welshman Day turn the match around.

 

"At 7-3 down it was an uphill battle, but I stayed positive," said Day, twice a quarter-finalist at the Crucible. "Gerard should have gone 9-6 up but he wobbled a yellow and after that I got stronger. I felt confident coming here, and this is the toughest match of the season so I have got some momentum now to take to Sheffield."