Chester’s Ricky Walden is out of the World Snooker Championship, whilst Wallasey’s Robbie Williams faces Mark Allen on Tuesday.
Walden was defeated 10-6 at The Crucible on Sunday night against fellow Englishman Tom Ford.
Walden, who also lost in the first round in 2023, could not recover from a 6-3 deficit at the end of Saturday’s session.
“It has been an off season,” he said, having exited the final Ranking event of the year. “I have to regroup and go again for next season.
“It’s such a fine line, I felt I was close to playing well but I was throwing in too many errors, and you can’t do that here.
“I wish Tom all the best,” he added.
Ford, whose victory was his first at The Crucible, was expectedly upbeat talking about his feelings.
“I’m smiling for a change,” he said. “It feels good, and I didn’t realise it would feel this good.
“I’ve lost the last four times here and have always put a lot of pressure on myself.
“The relief of winning that first game does feel good”.
Sometimes the end of a match sneaks up on you 🤫
Tom Ford beats Ricky Walden 10-6 to set up a clash with Judd Trump#CazooWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/O0FgBfgwbs
— Eurosport (@eurosport) April 21, 2024
Scouse snooker fans will be hoping for a better performance from five-time Merseyside Open winner Williams.
The world number 45 faces a stern test against one of the tournament favourites, Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen.
2024 marks Williams’ first appearance in the main stages of the World Championship since 2016, when he exited the tournament at the First Round proper.
His match begins at 2.30pm on Tuesday. Namesake Mark Williams and Si Jiahui will compete on the other table at the famous 980 seat capacity Crucible.
Elsewhere, reigning world champion Luca Brecel has been dumped out of the tournament after suffering a deciding-frame defeat against David Gilbert.
Seven-time champion and favourite Ronnie O’Sullivan is in action against Wales’ Jackson Page on Wednesday.
Featured image used under agreed Alamy license.
