Ford and Pinches Back To Earth in World Open
Tom Ford and Barry Pinches, the winners of PTC events 3 and 4 respectively returned to earth as they both crashed out of the World Open in Sheffield.
Ford was beaten three-frames-to-one by IBSF world champion, Alfie Burden. The Londoner who is part of Paul Mount’s ever-growing ‘Pink Army’ made breaks of 51 and 81 on his way to victory which leaves him just one match away from September’s final stages in Glasgow.
Pinches was not far behind as he was sent packing by China’s Liu Song by the same score. Song made the highest break of the match, a 91 and continued his return to form.
The win was sweet revenge for the Chinese star after losing to Pinches in the quarter final last week.
Elsewhere, Joe Swail made the highest break so far, a 139, in his match against Belgium number one, Bjorn Haneveer.
Despite adding a further run of 74, the former world championship semi-finalist found himself on his way home after losing 3-2.
Youngster, Liam Highfield was another making his way home after losing out in a tactical battle with Fergal O’Brien.
Wales’ Paul Davies opened his account for the season and got revenge over James McGouran with a 3-2 win.
McGouran had won their encounter at PTC 4 last week, but despite trailing 2-1, Davies was able to find enough to get over the line and set up a final qualifying match on Tuesday with Matthew Couch who had ended the hopes of Ian McCulloch.
