O'Brien exits as comeback attempt comes up short

SNOOKER/World Championship: Dubliner Fergal O'Brien last night relived the pain of his last appearance at the World Championship by crashing out of the first round on a 10-8 scoreline for the second year in succession.

This time, the Irishman lost to Englishman Robert Milkins, who was making his debut at the Crucible after beating Malta's Tony Drago - also 10-8 - in the final qualifying round.

Milkins - ranked only 54th in the world - will now play Ronnie O'Sullivan in the second round.

To attain the number one spot in the rankings and occupy that position for two years, Mark Williams has produced many high-quality performances. But his 10-7 defeat of John Parrott in the first round yesterday was not one of them.

"I started badly and got worse," was the 2000 champion's verdict on a below-par display.

"It was the most pathetic, embarrassing stuff I've ever played." Williams, winner of the China Open and Thailand Masters titles this season, was not entirely convincing in claiming a 6-3 first-session lead on Tuesday as Parrott, the 1991 champion, struggled with his scoring.

When they resumed, Williams won the 10th frame on the pink and extended his lead to 8-3 with a run of 48. He did not look comfortable, however, and Parrott rallied to 8-6 with nothing better than a break of 51.

At 9-6, Parrott constructed the highest break of the match, 79. But although Williams missed a match-ball red on 65 in the next, the Welshman eventually won it on the yellow to set up an encounter with Anthony Hamilton, the world No19 from Nottingham. "If that had gone out live on television I wouldn't have the nerve to walk out into the street," Williams said.

Parrott had not had to qualify for the Crucible since 1986, but despite slipping to 22nd in the world rankings he still finds his competitive instincts intact. "I love the game and I want to play," he said.

"There's no point if it doesn't hurt when you lose, so being the cat in my house will be an uncomfortable experience for the next couple of days."

Hamilton, who lost the China Open final 9-8 to Williams, having led 8-5, completed a 10-6 victory over Dave Harold, with breaks of 68, 106 and 67 in the last three frames.

He had trailed 3-0 and 4-1 during the opening session but recovered to lead 5-4 entering yesterday. "I was just looking to stay in touch so to be in the lead was a nice bonus and a big turning point," Hamilton said.

Guardian Service