O’Brien hoping to surmount Robertson test
FERGAL O’Brien will be hoping to extend his run in the Welsh Open tonight when he faces off against Jimmy Robertson in the last 32 of the competition in Newport.
After having seen off Stephen Maguire quite comfortably with a 4-1 victory in the opening round, the Lucan man then had to weather a fierce challenge from Thepchaiya Un-Nooh to secure further passage.
Indeed, he was just one frame away from victory when his Thai opponent fought back into contention and raced 28 points ahead in the decisive frame.
O’Brien, however, was presented with a chance to remain in the title hunt and he grasped it with both hands, mopping up the 33 points that remained on the table to edge through 4-3.
Celebrating his 50th birthday later this month, the 1999 British Open champion will be hoping he can make it a week to remember as he prepares to take on Robertson who also prevailed in a tight Last 64 match that saw him clinch a 4-3 win over Jamie Jones.
