Grand Prix Berth For Wes

WES NEWTON narrowly held on to the 24th and final automatic qualifying place for the Sky Bet World Grand Prix.

Newton, who has been locked in a battle with Chris Mason and Paul Williams for 24th place, was forced to miss the Ireland Open Classic last weekend after slipping in his hotel room and injuring his shoulder.

The Las Vegas Desert Classic semi-finalist's pain was made worse as Mason progressed through the tournament - but a defeat to Denis Ovens at the last 16 stage meant he picked up four ranking points.

Williams, who reached the last 64, picked up two points, leaving all three players tied on 206 points for the 24th and final automatic place at the Citywest Hotel.

The count-back system means that Newton sits ahead of the duo following his recent performances and will play in Ireland should he recover from his injury.

The news means that Mason, who came through the PDPA Qualifiers to play in the 2004 Sky Bet World Grand Prix, and Williams will travel to Newport for next Friday's knock-outs.

Adrian Lewis, Andy Callaby and Gary Welding were the other qualifiers 12 months ago, while Terry Jenkins qualifies by right for this year's event after jumping up to 15th in the rankings during the past year.

Sky Bet World Grand Prix - automatic qualifiers
1 Colin Lloyd
2 Phil Taylor
3 Ronnie Baxter
4 Roland Scholten
5 Wayne Mardle
6 Peter Manley
7 Kevin Painter
8 John Part
9 Andy Jenkins
10 Denis Ovens
11 Mark Dudbridge
12 Alan Warriner
13 Dennis Priestley
14 Mark Walsh
15 Terry Jenkins
16 Dennis Smith
17 Lionel Sams
18 Steve Beaton
19 Dave Askew
20 Bob Anderson
21 Alex Roy
22 Alan Caves
23 Jamie Harvey
24 Wes Newton