Snooker English Open: 20-year old smashes reigning World Champion!

Welsh snooker prospect Liam Davies showed his mettle at the snooker English Open, as the 20-year old faced off on Thursday against reigning world champion Wu Yize in the third round. However, Wu hasn't reached further than the second round in any tournament this season, so the youngster smelled blood in the water.

Neither player managed to put together a proper break in the opening frame, as Wu's cannon into the pack failed leaving him with just 20 points. Both players squandered opportunities after, but on the second time of asking Davies managed to get a lead that was good enough to take the opening frame.

The young Welshman was clearly hyped over his success, as the second frame went even better for him. Red, black, red and black the balls began falling into the pocket, with the frame ball potted emphatically via a stylish cannon shot. 2-0, and a century break for Davies to look back on.

The third frame saw perhaps the most crucial moments of the match, as first Wu fouled by potting a red when cannoning into the pack from the blue, and then China's second world champion had a terrible blunder on a point-blank rest shot.

Needing just one frame to win Davies was understandably nervous and had to concede a frame to Wu. However, his nerves were surprisingly given respite due to an emergency in the crowd. Wu was snookered and had already missed once when the incident happened, and now the players were forced to take a break.

10 minutes later the action resumed, but Wu had lost his line on the escape, failing twice more. The next attempt finally hit, but it also left a chance for a break for Davies which the rejuvenated youngster happily took.

It wasn't enough to clinch the match however, and Wu almost made an epic clearance to mount a comeback. Alas it was not to be, and Davies breathed a sigh of relief as Wu shook hands and conceded the frame and the match 4-1.

- I was shaking in that last frame, I was sure he's going to clear it and we'll be at 3-2. It was difficult to concentrate throughout the match, especially when someone in the crowd falls over and breaks their leg or something forcing a recess, Davies told TNT Sports after his big win.

- I probably needed that break to be honest. It gave me an opportunity to gather myself, and it was easier to continue after, the Welshman added.

Below are all the 3rd round results from the English Open.





Source: TNT