SNOOKER BAIZE BLOG: PTT-EGAT Snooker World Cup Day 4 - England & Northern Ireland landed safely for QF

Thursday, 14 July 2011

PTT-EGAT Snooker World Cup Day 4 - England & Northern Ireland landed safely for QF

The round robin will come to the end in these two days and England, Northern Ireland have already confirmed their quarter-finals spots by three victories out of three.

Northern Ireland team - Gerard Greene, Mark Allen

Northern Ireland team had their third consecutive victory over Belgium, 3-2 to secure a seat in quarter-finals. Belgium was also defeated early by two other teams by the same scoreline. "We got what we needed and that was what we set out at the start of the competition to do - to qualify for the quarter-finals," said Allen.

16-year-old Luca Brecel

The 16-year-old Belgian Luca Brecel made 100 in his frame against Mark Allen, and Allen tipped Brecel for a bright future. "I've seen him before so know a lot about him and showed what he's capable of in the last frame," said Allen.

Malta had an good ending for their group matches. Malta whitewashed UAE with 100, 70 from Tony Drago in the match. Drago played beautiful snooker which haven't seen it for a while. Drago thought Malta were out after he lost two black-ball
matches against Thailand yesterday but this success could see them make the QFs.

Tony Drago

"I've been a professional for 26 years and we're so proud of what we've achieved here - whatever happens," said Drago. "I'm very emotional with the way we played and I can't tell you how proud I am of my man here.'' His partner Alex Borg said: "To have a player like Tony with you is fantastic and he showed his best today after the two black-ball games yesterday. He showed his character and told me before the start that he would go out stronger today."

Due to Malta's suprising big win today, China v Australia today turned out to be the key match of both team. The result of this match will affect who will qualify for the later stages. Australia did not go their way today, eventually losing to China 2-3.

Ding Junhui

It was a tough doubles frame for Neil Robertson. Robertson's partenr Steve Misfud

did not do well today which led to heavy burden on Robertson. However this win will not ensure China is going further, everything is uncertain in this group.

Afghanistan had a great win over Poland by 4-1 while Wales beaten Pakistan by 3-2. England team booked their quarter-finals spot by winning India 4-1.