Emerging Irish snooker star Leone Crowley has advanced to the next stage of qualifying for the World Championships after a 10-5 win over China's Huang Jiahao.
The 19-year-old Cork player, who won the WSF Junior Championship in Morocco last January, will now go on to face Wales’ Duane Jones in the next step of qualifying at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.
Antrim’s Robbie McGuigan is also through to the next stage after a 10-8 win over England’s Hammad Miah. China’s Gong Chenzhi awaits.
Ken Doherty, champion in 1997, has work to do to keep his hopes of appearing in the main draw alive as he trails Patrick Whelan 5-4 in their best of 19 match, with the action resuming Tuesday. Tyrone’s Fergal Quinn begins from Round 1 of qualifying on Wednesday.
Irish players Jordan Brown and Aaron Hill will enter later in the qualifying series, Brown coming in for Round 2 and Hill entering during Round 3.
Jimmy White lost an agonising final-frame decider to China's Gao Yang as his bid to reach the Crucible ended in a 10-9 defeat.
White, 63, currently number 123 in the rankings, made a flying start with breaks of 72, 52 and 60 helping him open up a commanding 5-1 lead against his 21-year-old opponent, but he wasn't able to hold on.
