Welsh Open News - Day 3
Non-Welsh Open
Home supporters were robbed of local interest as the last two Welshmen were knocked-out on day three of the Welsh Open in Newport.
World number 17, Matthew Stevens, was beaten 5-3 by China's Ding Junhui and Dominic Dale lost 5-2 against Scotland's John Higgins.
Dale took time out from his spot in the BBC Wales commentary box to share the frames before the interval, but then the two-times world champion turned the screw to win three frames in less than an hour, including a century in frame six.
Stevens got off to the better start, leading two frames to one with a highest break of 71 but Ding finished strongly to eliminate the last Welshman standing.
The fans packed into Newport Centre on Wednesday, creating a tingling atmosphere right round the arena and despite the disappointment of seeing the home favourites crash out, they were treated to a high quality showdown between Marco Fu and Fergal O'Brien, during which Fu posted the tournament high break of 142 on his way to victory.
The cheers that greeted the entrance of Ronnie O'Sullivan and Steve Davis put the Leisure Centre roof under threat and the two stars, in turn, treated the fans to an action packed match.
O'Sullivan claimed the match, but Davis showed glimpses of his vintage form with a superb run of 132 to stay level at 2-2. However from there the World Number One kicked on with a 118 and a couple of forty plus breaks to wrap up a 5-2 win.
O'Sullivan confessed to having little time to practice since The Masters, but was confident that his form was good enough to see him through, and he was quick to praise the Welsh fans, commenting "The Welsh fans are great and this is a good event."
Neil Robertson and Mark King completed the last 16 line up. The Aussie completed a 5-3 victory over Scotland's Jamie Burnett with a quick fire 124, while King had to battle all the way to overcome Dave Harold by the same margin.
Joe Swail ended the hopes of Stephen Hendry's conqueror, Martin Gould by five frames-to-one.
