Gunnell joy after biggest win

Shropshire’s Adrian Gunnell was today basking in the biggest victory of his career - and eyeing a “dream” run when big-time snooker comes to his home town next week.Click here for all the Maplin UK Championships build-up

Gunnell defeated highly-rated Welshman Matthew Stevens 9-7 at Prestatyn yesterday to book his place in the final stages of the UK Championship at Telford’s International Centre.

Trailing throughout the day, the 35-year-old found an extra gear in the concluding session to take the final four frames and secure an intriguing first round meeting with Chinese rising star Ding Junhui in the first round proper next weekend.

With extra ranking points on offer for the second most prestigious tournament on the calender, the victory also boosted Gunnell’s quest for a place in the much coveted top 32 for the first time ever.

“I’m drained but I’m absolutely delighted and I have to say that it’s the best win of my career,” he said.

“Matthew is the player everyone wants to avoid because he has so much quality and should be in the top eight.

“Throw in the fact that it’s a longer format and Matthew always excels at those and it was doubly difficult.

“It’s funny because it’s the best win I’ve ever had and I didn’t feel I played that well early on.

“But I’m proud of myself because when the pressure was really on at 7-6, my form was good and I’ve knocked in some excellent pots.”

Gunnell now plans a week of hard practice as he prepares for his meeting with Ding, tipped by many to become a multiple World Champion of the future. “I played him in China earlier this year in front of all his fans and lost - but I was a bit disappointed because I had my chances,” he added.

“Hopefully the people of Telford will come out and support me. I know I am going to have to improve but I have been flying over the last two months - I just think the poor tables we have played on this seek sapped my confidence a little bit.

“It means a lot to get to Telford. I’ve been saying for a while I’m long overdue a run in a big tournament and it would be a dream if it came next week.”