Here are the full results of the International Championship 2019 Qualifiers (snooker.org)

The trend set on the previous days continued, with the highest seeds going through in the vast majority of matches. There were no real surprises yesterday.

Kyren Wilson trailed rookie Brandon Sargeant by 2-0, but eventually won by 6-4. The key in this match, as in so many other matches we have seen this week was the safety game. Most players, freshly emerging from the amateur scene, are way behind the top pros in that department. Kyren’s highest break in the match was 63, Brandon’s was 107. On many occasions Brandon was ahead in the frames but Kyren got him in knots and eventually snatched them. That same pattern probably applies to some of the other matches involving debutants, played this week.

Stephen Maguire made light work of Jamie O’Neill’s challenge: he scored 51, 60, 129, 50, 61, 86 and 108 in a true demolition of his opponent. That probably was the performance of the day.

The highlight however was Tom Ford’s 147, his fourth, and the first of the new season:

2019 International Championship: Tom Ford 147 – Fraser Patrick

The surprise of the day for me was the 6-2 demolition of Fergal O’Brien by Nigel Bond in a battle of veterans. Somehow I expected Fergal to win this one. The match was quick too, it lasted only about 2 1/2 hours with both players seemingly playing at a good pace.

The trend continued with basically the players you would respect to win, actually winning and booking their place in Daqing.

Ricky Walden definitely seems to be returning to form and made very light work of Chen Zifan. Chen should be sharp from the Q-school but it didn’t show at all. Ricky was solid, reliable in the balls ans always in control. Ricky might have an un usual stance – due to his heigth and back problems – but, when at his best he’s really good to watch.

David Grace beat Anthony Hamilton by 6-1 – that’s what the official score says – but I doubt that the very kind person he is enjoyed the  manner of the win. Actually Anthony forfeited the match mid of frame 5, because of health issues. David later came on social media, wishing well, and I’m sure he meant it 100%

Luo Honghao lost by 6-3 to Mark Joyce, despite being the one with the big breaks. Yesterday we had a similar story with Lyu Haotian against Duane Jones. For me it’s obvious that for many young Chinese players, the tactical side of the game is where they are found wanting. Ronnie said the same a couple of times about Zhao Xintong. Mark Joyce is notoriously difficult to play (ask Mark Allen 😎), and Luo had no answer to his style.

Chang Bingyu on the other hand impressed with a 6-2 win over Michael Georgiou, scoring breaks of 51, 85, 55, 76, 50, 51 and finishing with a 111. Worldsnooker awarded him the “performance of the day” tag. That said, it could have been shared with David Gilbert, who demolished James Cahill by 6-0, with breaks of 66, 94, 72, 63, 96! Shame on you David, there was a frame without a 50+ break there in the middle 😜 ! Much has been made of James Cahill win over Ronnie in Sheffield; he played well to qualify for the last 32, no question, and he played well against Ronnie as well. He was however playing with freedom in that nobody expected him to win, and against an opponent who – for all his records – was clearly unwell and unable to perform at his normal level. Now that he has done that, eyes are on James, and expectations as well. It will be interesting to see how he copes.

Mark Williams was taken to a decider by John Astley. Mark gradually improved as the match unfolded but overall was a bit rusty. John Astley is one of those players who stays under the radar but is very solid and you can’t afford too many mistakes against him.

Ben Woollaston and Thor Chuan Leong had a right hard slog that finished well past midnight (around 0h40 local time). Ben eventually won by 6-4.

Today might beat that though as Fergal O’Brien will be in action against Nigel Bond in the last session of the day (and the event).

You can follow all the results on snooker.org

We are two days into the International Championship 2019 qualifiers and already the combined impact of a longer format and good prize money is obvious.

All the top players – except Ronnie – have entered and those who have been in action already have all won their matches: Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, Stuart Bingham, Shaun Murphy, Ali Carter, Ryan Day, Barry Hawkins, Jack Lisowski … all are already through and China Bound. Even Michael White and Liang Wenbo have found something and won. Liang actually found … his scoring boots: he made 7 breaks over 50, including a 107, in winning only 6 frames. Zao Xintong and Xiao Guodong also qualified, but Lyu Haotian lost to Duane Jones

Two young players deserve a special mention. Louis Heathcote, who just turned professional last month, beat Noppon Saengkham by 6-4 to qualify for the main event. Going by the scores, it was a high quality match: Noppon had breaks of 126, 112 and 78 whilst Louis scored breaks of 67, 77, 103 and 78, the last three in the last three frames of the match. Louis, remember, did also beat Ryan Day a few days ago to qualify for the Riga Masters. Impressive from the rookie. Yuan Sijun, who attracted Stephen Hendry’s attention and is still only 19, beat Gerard Greene by 6-0 with breaks of 108, 75, 57 and 66. He also had qualified for Riga with a win over Noppon Seangkham.

I haven’t seen much of the action at all, but Mark Selby looked solid in his match against Sam Baird (who was quite poor, truth to be said). Neil Robertson demolished Oliver Lines by 6-0 with three centuries; that can’t have been too shabby.

It all continues today and tomorrow. Luca Brecel got a bye.