The European Masters qualifiers got underway yesterday at the Preston Guild Hall with all of the top players in the world competing for their place at the main event. There was some surprising results from the first round.
Jimmy White was knocked out by new Irish professional Josh Boileau by 4-2. The first four frames of the match were shared between both players (Jimmy White making a 92), but it was Boileau who dominated the second half with some good safety shots and a break of 92.
On the other tables, most of the bookies favourites got through to the next round including Graeme Dott, Peter Ebdon, Fergal O’Brien, Joe Swail, Tom Ford, Jack Lisowski etc.
Today some of the bigger names will be in action such as Barry Hawkins, Ali Carter, Stuart Bingham, Joe Perry etc. The pick of this mornings matches is between Ali Carter and former World Champion Ken Doherty.
Later today and this evening, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd trump, Mark Selby, John Higgins and Shaun Murphy will all be in action.
