Kyren Wilson survives tight deciding frame finish as he begins Belfast title defence

The world number two, who defeated Judd Trump in last year's final to lift The Alex Higgins Trophy for the first time in his career, needed to win the final two frames against world number 62 Lines to keep his title defence on track.

Wilson claimed frame one with the help of a 55 break before Lines levelled via an effort of 79.

A 133 total clearance nudged 2024 world champion Wilson back in front, but 30-year-old Lines strung together the next two frames along with runs of 52 and 64 to move 3-2 ahead and on the brink of causing an upset.

The entertaining contest was taken all the way by Wilson as he made a 61 in frame six, and it was the title holder who established a 42 points lead in the decider before missing a red.

Lines, who is one of the most improved players on the professional circuit in recent times, launched a counter attack but missed a green whilst trying to obtain position on the final red.

It was the final invitation that 10-time ranking event winner Wilson needed as he coolly cleared from the final red to pink to make sure of his place in the next round where he’ll meet Ryan Day on Wednesday. Former British Open champion Day dispatched number 31 seed Matthew Selt, 4-1.

Whilst wearing his maiden Crucible crown, Wilson enjoyed a stellar campaign last season, winning four ranking titles in four different nations.

After suffering a shock first round defeat when defending his world title in Sheffield, the Englishman recovered by beginning this term in fantastic style as he secured top prize at the lucrative Shanghai Masters in early August.

Since then, though, it has been a disappointing time results-wise on the World Snooker Tour for Wilson, although he recently revealed that his mind had been preoccupied for his wife Sophie who was dealing with a health issue at home.

With Sophie on the mend after surgery and positive test results, ‘The Warrior’ can now fully focus on the green baize this week.

Elsewhere during the early sessions on day three at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, Stephen Maguire posted runs of 75 and 63 as he dispatched 2023 world champion Luca Brecel, 4-1.

It has been a reenergising calendar year for Maguire having reached the final of the Welsh Open in February and ending a five-year wait for a ranking event title at the Championship League in the summer.

World number 14 Zhang Anda failed to bolster the Chinese contingent already through to the round of 32 as he was sent packing by the experienced Mark Davis.

Former International Championship winner Zhang deposited the opening frame with an 86, but 53-year-old Davis - who is in a battle to keep his professional tour card at the end of this season - went on a four-frame winning streak for a 4-1 victory, highlighted by a 118 in frame four.

Zhang's compatriot Si Jiahui did progress in the £550,400 world ranking event, though, as the former world championship semi-finalist whitewashed Ka Wai Cheung, 4-0.

The last 32 line-up was completed by Ali Carter, as he ousted teenager Stan Moody 4-3 in another engrossing climax on the main table.

Six-time ranking event winner Carter struck breaks of 137 and 100 in successive frames as he restored parity from 2-0 down.

Moody, who has appeared in two ranking event quarter-finals this season, edged back in front at 3-2, but Carter forced a deciding frame which he won on the colours after his opponent wasn’t able to convert a counter opportunity.

The victory will be sweet for Carter having lost to Moody twice in recent weeks at the British Open and Xi’an Grand Prix.

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