England’s Sam Baird sets up clash against Mark Selby: 2012 Welsh Open
England’s young Sam Baird has successfully made his way into the first round of 2012 Welsh Open at the Newport Centre in Newport, Wales. The young Englishman ousted local favourite, Dominic Dale in the ultimate qualifying match by the score line of 4-2.
The youngster will now face the World Number one, compatriot Mark Selby in Round 1.
The Davon potter has surged into the initial round of any major ranking tournament for the first time in his career. Beating Dale on his home arena was itself a surprise for the Englishman because he was not expecting a win against such an experienced potter.
However, the 23-year-old did not lose his focus because of Dale’s presence and played his natural game.
The World Number 82 cruised into a 3-1 lead quickly with some fascinating snooker shots, building breaks of 67, 72 and a classy century knock of 136 points. He was at the brink of winning the qualifier by 4-1 but Dale stopped his run with a sensational half-century
clearance of 55 and won the fifth frame to move within one frame up at 3-2.
Before Dale could do more damage to Baird’s one-frame lead and pull level at 3-3, Baird sprang back into his class and cleared the table pocketing a scrappy last red along with the remaining coloured balls to win the frame and match to set up a clash against
Selby in Round 1.
“I was surprised at how well I took to playing at a venue," spoke Baird to the World Snooker, “I played well to go 3-1 up, then I bottled it a bit, but then I potted a good red and brown in the last frame. I hope Mark Selby gives me a chance, and if he does
I'll give him a game. I've got some momentum now.”
Baird’s first round match with Selby will definitely be a tough encounter for the youngster because Selby has been in superb form throughout the current season. Beating Selby will be a hard nut to crack but Baird is determined to put all his energies into
his performance and give his opponent a tough time on the table.
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