Day Two of the first event of the European Players Tour Championship is now underway in Germany as the tournament is played through to the last 16 stage. Click below for brief updates throughout the day, while I will also attempt to post more frequent updates on my Twitter page…
EDIT: I have now updated the provisional rankings list.
- Stephen Hendry finally has some points on the board this season following a 4-0 victory against China’s Liu Chuang. He now moves into a second round clash with Bjorn Haneveer, the man who he will also be facing at the World Open later this year.
- Ronnie O’Sullivan meanwhile appears to have withdrawn from the tournament, second round opponent Jimmy Robertson being handed a walkover according to the World Snooker drawsheet.
- Steve Davis is through to the second round following an impressive 4-2 victory against Scotland’s Graeme Dott. Next up for Steve is a tie against Fergal O’Brien which I wouldn’t expect to be quick!
- Mark Allen’s nightmare fortnight continues as following his World Open exit recently, he has now been dumped out of this tournament at the first hurdle following a 4-2 defeat to Andrew Higginson. Marco Fu though survived a tricky tie, defeating Zhang Anda 4-3 to move into round two.
- And Shaun Murphy concludes the first round with a 4-3 victory over Mark King, a welcome victory for the defending champion.
- Jimmy White, Anthony McGill, Judd Trump and Ricky Walden are already through to the last 16, their work done for the day. Strange way to do it but I am sure that they will not complain at the early finish!
- Davis has done it again, the six-time world champion is through to the third round following a 4-1 victory over Fergal O’Brien. Not such good news for Stephen Hendry fans however as the Scottish legend has lost out against Belgian pro Bjorn Haneveer. Not a good omen for Stephen with the pair set to meet again in Glasgow at the World Open.
- One of the favourites to take the title, Mark Selby is now out of the tournament having lost out to Ali Carter in a deciding frame. Carter could take some stopping now…
- And out goes another big name, double world champion Mark Williams who has fallen at the hands of the rapidly improving Irish youngster Davy Morris. Having been on the tour for a few seasons now without ever really making a big breakthrough, Morris has now qualified for his first TV event at the World Open and now recorded one of the biggest wins of his career to date and might just be one to watch over the coming months.
- Avoiding joining the list of seeded casualties is reigning world champion Neil Robertson, winning his re-match with Martin Gould by a 4-1 scoreline.
- Through to the last 16 is Welsh amateur Daniel Wells following a 4-2 victory against Redcar’s Mike Dunn this afternoon. Having struggled on the main tour last season following his breakthrough run at the 2009 World Championship qualifiers, Wells has on paper at least looked to be faring much better this season and who knows, perhaps his relegation from the pro circuit might prove to be a case of making one step backwards in order to take two forwards. In any case I am pleased to see him showing the form that he is capable of once again.
- Wells’ fellow youngsters Anthony McGill and Judd Trump are also making a mark this week and following wins against Kyren Wilson and Andrew Pagett respectively are also through to Sunday’s last 16 stage.
- Andrew Higginson, Mark Davis and Gerard Greene all safely through to the last 16 to ensure that the youngsters won’t have it all their own way however. Mark is in with a real chance of a top 16 place if he can keep up this form. When was the last time that a 38 year old player broke through to the top 16 for the first time?
- Another round, another shock as Neil Robertson crashes out, a 4-0 loser to Stuart Bingham. Shaun Murphy though has managed to make it through, recording a comfortable 4-1 victory against Joe Perry to book his last 16 place.
- Just waiting on the Lines/Morris score now…and Peter snatches it 4-3 to complete the last 16 line-up!