World Snooker qualifiers - update on some former champions

Peter Ebdon, champion in 2002, will miss out again on a return to Sheffield's Crucible this year after losing in the World Championship second qualifying round.  He lost 7-10 to Grimsby's Stuart Carrington

A view of the main hall at Ponds Forge with its 11 tables

Six-time finalist Jimmy White defeated James Wattana 10-3 in the first qualifying round to keep his dream of a Crucible return alive, but although he started 7-2 in his second-round match to Matthew Selt eventually lost 10-8.

Table 1, main hall Ponds Forge

Six-time World Champion Steve Davis beat Jamie Cope 10-9 on the last black in his first round qualifier.  He later bombed out 10-1 to Kurt Maflin after losing a one-sided morning session 8-1.   

Ken Doherty progressed again - after beating Lee Walker 10-6 he will next face Mark Davies.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson wins the Long Jump in a World qualifying distance

Following on from Saturday’s national high jump record, Johnson-Thompson (Liverpool Harriers) will have delighted her coach Mike Holmes to win the Women's Long Jump in 6.75m – a second world indoor qualifier in as many days.

 

“It was definitely the best I could have imagined. I didn’t sleep last night so I feel really tired and didn’t expect to come out and do that!” she said.

“I skipped the hurdles because I wanted to be really cautious for next weekend, I really want to qualify for the World Indoor Championships in the pentathlon. It gives me great confidence, even if I can’t get to that standard I know I can get close to it and that’s what it’s about in pentathlon; being consistent.

See more photos from the event at: Andy Chubb Photography