Former champions Ding Junhui and Ali Carter qualify for Welsh Open snooker

ByEurosport

Published 13/01/2023 at 22:27 GMT

Ding Junhui enjoyed a 4-0 whitewash of Ashley Hugill at Welsh Open qualifying on Friday to advance to the final stage in Llandudno. The 2012 winner was joined in the last 64 by Ali Carter, champion in 2009, after the Essex man defeated John Astley 4-2 at the Barnsley Metrodome. Former German Masters winner Martin Gould also sealed his progress with a 4-2 success against Fergal O'Brien.

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Former Welsh Open champions Ding Junhui and Ali Carter booked their respective places at this year's tournament in Llandudno with solid qualifying wins on Friday.

2012 winner Ding contributed breaks of 76 and 83 in a 4-0 whitewash of Ashley Hugill with the 2009 champion Ali Carter completing a 4-2 triumph against John Astley, who hit the highest break of the match with 72 in the fifth frame.

Evergreen Welshman Dominic Dale compiled a 91 run in a 4-1 victory against Farakh Ajaib while former German Masters holder Martin Gould completed a 4-2 win over Fergal O'Brien.

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Gould opened with breaks of 117 and 65 with O'Brien recovering to trail 3-2 boosted by 84 and 100. Gould pinched the sixth frame on the black to avoid a final-frame decider.

Elsewhere, former women's world champion Ng On Yee produced impressive breaks of 69 and 76 against Andy Hicks, but the 1995 world semi-finalist made 69 in the fourth frame on his way to a 4-2 triumph.

The Welsh Open begins at Venue Cymru (13 February LIVE on Eurosport) with the world's top 16 in action and Joe Perry beginning his title defence against Mark King.