SNOOKER : Breakthrough comes at last for Hamilton

Anthony Hamilton, known as one of the best break builders in the game, finally beat one of the sport's leading players in Newport yesterday.

Hamilton, a 23-year-old from Nottingham, reached the last 16 of the Regal Welsh Open with a 5-3 victory over the sixth seed, Alan McManus.

It was another accomplished display from Hamilton, who has yet to fulfil his potential despite being a professional since 1991.

Hamilton made a 145 total clearance in the World Championship qualifying rounds at Blackpool last week and, in beating Mark Bennett 5-3 in the first round of the Welsh Open, he fired in breaks of 127 and 134.

Hamilton, the world No 35, took the second frame with a 136 break, the fourth with a 122 and the eighth after runs of 61 and 65.

McManus, who defends his Benson and Hedges Masters title at Wembley early next month, added: "It's one of those matches I just wish I could play again."

Darren Morgan joined the list of unexpected losers when he was beaten 5-3 John Read, the world No 87.

"John didn't beat me, I beat myself," Morgan said. "At the moment you could put Donald Duck up against me and he'd have a good chance."

Willie Thorne, the 15th seed, became the 10th player from the top 16 to be eliminated when he lost 5-4 to Cardiff's Paul Davies.