UK Qualifiers Day 5 - Fearless Fergal

After a day off to recover the tables, the players were back in action for the 5th day of competition at the 12BET.com UK Championship qualifiers in Sheffield. Two players to make it to the 4th round were Ireland's Fergal O'Brien and the inconsistent Dave Gilbert.

First man through to the final round of the UK Championship Qualifiers today was Ireland's Fergal O'Brien. This former Masters finalist has had a much improved season so far, winning most of his first round PTC matches and reaching a semi final. But today he showed his class in dispatching Welsh newcomer Jamie Jones 9-4. He now faces a much sterner test in the form of in-form Barry Hawkins in the final round.

World Snooker

Another, more surprising player through today was Tamworth journeyman Dave Gilbert. He has had the worst season possible on the run up to this event, loosing in seven out of eight of his first round PTC matches and all his other matches, he had dropped down to 86th of the ranking list. But not letting this setback him, he showed form of old this week as he beat Issara Kachaiwong 9-3, Andy Hicks 9-8 and today PTC winner Barry Pinches 9-4. He now faces a more dangerous opponent in the form of EPTC winner Stephen Lee in the final qualifying round.

Also a special mention goes out to Leeds potter Peter Lines who seems set to repeat last year's quarter-final appearance at Telford with a spectacular win over tour veteran Nigel Bond 9-7. He faces Stuart Bingham in the final round to book his place in the final 32.

Full Results:

Fergal O’Brien 9-4 Jamie Jones
Nigel Bond 7-9 Peter Lines
Anthony Hamilton 3-9 Rod Lawler
Alan McManus 5-9 Liu Chaung
Dave Harold 4-9 James Wattana
Barry Pinches 4-9 Dave Gilbert