Fergal O’Brien booked his place in the fourth round of Q School event one after a 4-2 defeat of former UK Championship quarter-finalist Martin O’Donnell in Sheffield.
O’Brien, who won the British Open in 1999, dropped off the circuit for the first time following the recent World Championship. The Irishman had spent 30 years on the tour since first turning professional in 1991. However, he recently admitted he was uncertain whether he would even attend Q School.
O’Donnell also suffered relegation following the World Championship and must now turn his attentions to the second and third events, where there will be a total of eight further professional spots up for grabs.
In a hard fought encounter, it was O’Brien who had the edge this afternoon. He composed breaks of 61 and 62 on his way to the win and plays Jenson Kendrick up next.
Germany’s Lukas Kleckers saw off James Cahill by a 4-1 scoreline. Kleckers is aiming for an immediate return to the circuit, while Cahill now only has two chances remaining to avoid the prospect of a second consecutive season as an amateur. Next up for Kleckers is a round four meeting with the in form Liu Hongyu.
China’s Liu came into today having already compiled the highest break of the tournament so far, a run of 137. He eased past Alfie Lee 4-1 and added further contributions of 100 and 71.
Lee Walker progressed with a 4-2 defeat of Ashley Carty, while Rory McLeod beat Hamim Hussain 4-1.
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