Norwegian Heading East
Kurt Maflin, moved within one win from a trip to Beijing for the final stages of next month’s China Open after beating Dave Harold by five-frames-to-one in round three at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield.
The Norwegian number one, who beat Simon Bedford in round one before ending the hopes of highly rated, Jack Lisowski in the second, was never in trouble against his more experienced opponent.
He took the first with a break of 65 and increased his lead to 2-0 shortly after. Harold narrowed the gap in the next with a run of 60 before Maflin went into the interval with his two-frame advantage restored with an 82 break.
Maflin, a former IBSF world champion, who earlier this season recorded a maximum 147 during the Players Tour Championship, continued where he left off when play resumed after interval.
A break of 83 took him to within one frame of victory which was sealed in the next thanks mainly to a run of 52.
He will now face Mark King for a place in the final draw which will take place at the Student’s Gymnasium at Beijing University.
Elsewhere, Shoot-Out finalist Robert Milkins ended the resurgence of former Young Player of Distinction, David Gilbert winning a final frame decider to set up a clash with Andrew Higginson.
The People’s Champion, Jimmy White continued his recent run of form beating Leeds’ Peter Lines by five-frames-to-three. The Whirlwind will now take on Dominic Dale, knowing a win will hoist him further back up the rankings.
Issara Kachaiwong won his third match in as many days, beating Malta’s Tony Drago by five-frames-to-two. The Thai player will receive plenty of support from the Asian crowd if he can overcome 1997 world champion Ken Doherty.
Alfie Burden recovered from 4-2 down to beat Matthew Selt 5-4 and set up a clash with Stephen Lee.
There were also wins for Rory McLeod, Mike Dunn, Tom Ford, Mark Joyce and Anthony Hamilton.
