Finn back with a bang

The 36-year-old retired from the sport in 2008 citing poor health, but a 4-3 victory over David Gilbert in the Q School quarter-finals on Monday ensured Hull a place on the 2011-12 Tour in a revamped qualifying system for the circuit.

Q School is open to players from around the world, consisting of three tournaments - the semi-finalists of each earning a place on the Pro Tour next season.

Hull won four matches on his way to the last eight in Sheffield, but early breaks of 71 and 83 saw Gilbert take an early 3-1 lead in the crucial best-of-seven quarter-final encounter.

The Finn drew level with a gritty response, before capturing the deciding seventh-frame with a break of 69.

"I didn't feel too sharp at 3-1 down, but I produced a couple of good frames to get back to 3-3," the former world number 31 said after the match.

"In the decider, David had a chance but he was unlucky not to land on anything when he went into the pack, and I made a good break to win it.

"I'm excited about playing on the main tour again and looking forward to it," he continued.

"The Q School was ideal for me because you only have to commit to coming to the UK for a month."

Andrew Norman, David Grace, and Adam Wicheard will join Hull on the Pro Tour next season after also claiming quarter-final victories over Chen Zhe, Zhang Anda and Fraser Patrick respectively.

Andrew Norman 4-3 Chen Zhe

Zhang Anda 1-4 David Grace

Adam Wicheard 4-1 Fraser Patrick

Robin Hull 4-3 David Gilbert