Fen Potter Joe Perry beats nerves to book place in Snooker World Championships
RELIEVED snooker star Joe Perry survived the most nerve-wracking match of his season to book his place at the Crucible for this year’s World Championships.
The Fen Potter battled back from going 3-0 down to Chinese star Liu Song to claim a vital 10-6 victory in Saturday’s final qualifying round in Sheffield.
Perry, currently ranked 30th in the world, said: “It’s probably the most nerve-wracking match of the season. There’s a lot at stake because you always want to finish your season at the Crucible.
“I was very edgy. I had felt very nervous all week building up to it and I got off to a shaky start. Once I’d got my nose in front I started to relax and play better.
“I want to start steadily climbing the rankings now and there’s no reason why I can’t get back into the top 16. There’s people in there that I’m perfectly capable of competing with. The ultimate aim is still to win a big tournament.”
The win means Perry will join 32 rivals at the Crucible next month to vie for the biggest prize in snooker. It is a venue the Chatteris star is fond of, having made his debut there in 1999 - beating Steve Davis 10-9 on the final black.
He said: “I don’t know how many times I’ve played there but it’s the greatest test and you never get sick of it. I have had some horror shows but some of my greatest achievements have been there.”
Most Read
- 1 Drug-driver killed co-worker on B1101 Elm Road in March
- 2 Shoplifter, 33, who assaulted woman is on the run
- 3 Arsonist firebombed GP surgery after doctors refused to give him heroin
- 4 Man, 28, and boy, 15, arrested after major A1101 crash in Wisbech
- 5 21st century agreement on future of 17th century pub
- 6 Long queues at Peterborough passport office ahead of holiday season
- 7 Council bans use of agricultural land to extend garden
- 8 Jailed: 58-year-old burglar who stole £57,000 BMW M4 in Wisbech
- 9 Shoplifter barred from every M&S and Sainsbury's in Cambridgeshire
- 10 Princess Royal drops into Citizens Advice centre in the Fens
The 36-year-old will find out who he will play in the first round on Monday - when the random draw takes place.
“I would really like to avoid Neil Robertson,” he said “We play at the same club and we will practice together throughout the tournament.
“But I’m not afraid of playing anyone.”