Snooker: O'Brien survives play-off to keep positive end in sight
FERGAL O'BRIEN'S fortitude to finish his season positively was influential as he survived the wild card play-off round in the China Open yesterday.
After the crushing disappointment of losing to Jamie Cope in the final qualifying round of the 888.com World Championship two weeks ago, O'Brien travelled to Beijing intent on making an impact in his closing tournament of the campaign.
Things began worryingly as O'Brien trailed China's Cao Xinlong 2-1 but after the local hope squandered an opportunity to move 3-1 ahead it was one-way traffic.
O'Brien, who has climbed from 37th to 26th on the provisional world ranking list this season, dominated the second half and sealed victory with a run of 66 in the seventh frame, his highest match break of the match.
"It's been a really good season for me. I've accomplished a lot, I'm going in the right direction again and the aim here is to finish off in style," said O'Brien,
The Dubliner now faces Scot Stephen Maguire who beat him in the final of the Northern Ireland Trophy at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast in November.
Also in action today will be Ken Doherty, who received a huge cheer when he attended the event's opening ceremony at the Water Cube -- the Olympic aquatic centre -- on Sunday.
Doherty, a precarious 15th in the provisional world rankings and badly in need of clearing his opening hurdle in the Chinese capital to ease top 16 relegation fears, will be a warm favourite to beat Mike Dunn, who joined O'Brien in winning through a wild card play-off.
- Phil Yates
