Snooker: Burrows recovers to reach last 16

KARL BURROWS became the first player to reach the last 16 of the British Open in Plymouth yesterday afternoon while another of the world's top 16 went out of the tournament.

Burrows, who is the world No 78, ended the hopes of Yorkshire veteran Joe Johnson, coming back from 2-0 down to record a 5-2 success. The Southgate- based professional now meets the world champion, Ken Doherty, or the Scotsman Billy Snaddon. Burrows has only once before reached this stage of a ranking tournament and is now guaranteed pounds 4,550.

But there was more disappointment for the Welshman Darren Morgan, defeated 5-2 by Wolverhampton journeyman John Read in the last 32. Morgan's frustration was summed up by his decision to concede prematurely in the final frame.

Morgan had double kissed the pink using the long rest and immediately moved to shake 28-year-old Read's hand. It was no certainty the diminutive West Midlander would pot the final two colours he required to put the result beyond doubt. "They weren't easy by any means," agreed Read, who now plays Bristol's Gary Ponting.

Morgan became the fourth top 16 seed to suffer an early exit after the defeats for Peter Ebdon (No 5), Nigel Bond (No 8) and French Canadian Alain Robidoux.

Morgan's slender chance of staying in the top 16 for next season has now disappeared. Down to 24 on the provisional list he could win the World Championship next month and would still not reappear among the elite.