Nightmare trip turned in to dream result

FOLLOWING a nightmare journey down south to the 19.com English Open, Gateshead’s Elliot Slessor expressed his relief he hadn’t wasted a trip after cruising into the tournament’s second round.

The 25-year-old overcame Ashley Carty 4-0, but in truth the contest was somewhat closer than the scoreline suggests.

Slessor potted a re-spotted black to take the first frame and crept through the next two before posting an impressive break of 89 to make it into the last 64.

And while he was pleased with elements of his performance, the world number 75 insisted his priority was progression and he hope he can now kick on with a hectic winter period on the horizon.

“I had a nightmare drive down from the North East and it took me seven hours,” he said. “So, the last thing I wanted to do was come all the way here and be sent straight home.

“It was a scrappy game, but the first round is massive just to get some points on the board.

“I used to play on the junior scene with Ashley, so I know he’s a good player. He had chances but luckily, I got over the line.

“The last frame was nice and open, and it was great to hit a good total. I’m just going to take it one match at a time now and see how far that takes me.

“I’ve been playing quite solidly and a good performance in this event could help me have a good run in one of the biggest tournaments.

“Hopefully I can repeat my semifinal appearance at the 2017 Northern Ireland Open here and then kick on from there.”

Meanwhile, world number 64 Sam Craigie booked his spot in the tournament’s next round with a tidy, 4-2 triumph over Chinese youngster Luo Honghao.

The 25-year-old raced into an early lead but was pegged back when Luo notched an impressive 120 break in the second frame, and then took the third to lead 2-1.

But two half-centuries in the final three frames were enough for Craigie to progress to the next round, where he will meet World Championship semi-finalist Ricky Walden.

World Championship semifinalist Gary Wilson was also victorious in his opener, overcoming Mark Joyce 4-1 to seal his place in round two. ■■Watch the English Open live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with studio analysis from Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jimmy White