Double Delight For Welding

Gary Welding 2-0 Kevin Harris (3-2, 3-1)
Sky Bet World Grand Prix First Round


GARY WELDING continued his love affair with the Sky Bet World Grand Prix, reaching the second round with a 2-0 win over Kevin Harris.

Welding defeated Wayne Mardle on his way to the quarter-finals 12 months ago, and will again be in the last 16 after defeating his fellow qualifier.

Harris, making his debut in a major tournament, led 2-1 during the first set, before St Helens' Welding fought back to take the advantage.

The key moment came in the third leg of the second set when, with the scores tied at 1-1, Harris burst his finish when on 111, and Welding stepped in with double ten.

He then landed double 20 to complete the victory in the next leg to set up a game with Steve Beaton in round two.

"I'm made up to get through," said Welding. "If I'm honest I didn't perform as well as I could, but I don't think Kevin was totally on his game either.

"Last year's experience probably helped me, but I know I'll have to improve to beat Steve.

"I didn't feel too well during the day - perhaps it was nerves! - but I'll have a good rest and be back on Wednesday."

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