Iulian Boiko, one of the fastest players left in the BetVictor Shoot Out, made it into the last 16 by knocking out Anthony Hamilton and is confident of his chances going into the final evening of the world ranking event in Swansea.
Ukraine’s best ever player, 18-year-old Boiko turned pro in 2020 at the age of just 14 and dropped off the tour in 2022 so is now competing as an amateur. This event is ideal for his rapid style and the teenager is a genuine contender for the £50,000 top prize.
“I’m really enjoying it, the atmosphere is so great and the crowd is lively,” said Boiko, who edged out Hamilton 31-26 in a closely fought contest. “Every day it gets more electric. With my rhythm and style, I don’t even think of the clock most of the time, I just play my natural game. But my safety has also been good and won me a few matches.
“I have never been four frames away from winning a ranking event before! I’m really looking forward to this evening, anything is possible. I felt in good shape coming into this event and hopefully some exciting results are waiting.”
Boiko will now meet Shoot Out specialist Dominic Dale, who won this event in 2014 and reached round four by beating Zhou Yuelong with a break of 61.
Alongside Boiko, two other amateurs remain in the field, including Welsh 17-year-old Liam Davies who beat Dylan Emery. From 12-33 behind, Davies kept his composure in a late break of 28. Steven Hallworth knocked out Alexander Ursenbacher.
Mark Allen, Kyren Wilson and Ali Carter are all aiming to become the first top-16 ranked player to win the event, and they all remained in the hunt with wins on Saturday afternoon. World number four Allen came from 36-0 down to beat Sanderson Lam with a break of 47. Wilson made a superb 101 to beat David Lilley and Carter saw off Dean Young.
Graeme Dott led Jimmy Robertson 44-14 when he missed the blue to a centre pocket with two minutes on the clock, and had to sit and watch as his opponent made a winning 32. Crucible semi-finalist Si Jiahui knocked out Ryan Day, while Hammad Miah ended the run of tour rookie Stan Moody.
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