Fergal O'Brien is perfectly poised to earn himself a place in the last 16 of the UK Championships in York after racing into a 6-2 overnight lead over Malta's Tony Drago. The former British Open champion produced some devastating potting to make breaks of 59, 80, 98 and 90 and gain a comfortable overnight advantage.
His fellow Dubliner Michael Judge is, however, looking at an early exit unless he can halt England's Peter Ebdon, a winner of two ranking tournaments last season. A total clearance of 143 in the fifth frame against Judge has helped the reigning Scottish Open champion into a 5-3 overnight lead.
Northern Ireland's Joe Swail trails Mark Davis 5-3, and the pair will play to a finish tonight.
Filed by Shane Murray
