Hicks overcomes Griffiths

Snooker

Andy Hicks produced a brilliant performance in the second round of the European Open in Malta to whitewash Terry Griffiths 5-0 and reach his second ranking event quarter-final of the season.

The left-hander from Devon compiled a clearance of 137 in the last frame which set him up for the high-break prize of pounds 5,000. Hicks, ranked No 17 and now a contender for the top 16 next season, also had breaks of 96, 71 and 45 as Griffiths was eliminated in 91 minutes.

Peter Ebdon, ranked No 10 but certain to be in the top four next season, defeated Dave Finbow, of Worcester, 5-3. Ebdon, the Irish Masters champion, recorded breaks of 71 and 58 and to reach his sixth major semi-final of the season. He now must beat Tony Drago or Steve James.

Earlier, the former world champion Joe Johnson was beaten 5-1 by Anthony Davies in the second round. Johnson's problems began early as he overslept, arrived 18 minutes after the scheduled start time, and forfeited the first two frames.