Snooker: Davis fluke sets up victory over White

Steve Davis triumphed in his nostalgic dual with long-standing rival Jimmy White at a packed Preston Guild Hall last night.

However, the six-times world champion's 5-4 victory came with some good fortune in the deciding frame when, deep in trouble, he fluked a red to start a match-winning run of 21. "That was a Davis special," said White. "I fancied clearing up if I had got a chance."

Davis, who now plays Mark Williams for a place in the quarter-finals, said: "You won't see a better fluke all year. I'm sure Jimmy's friends and family were not too pleased."

Williams bounced back from his 6-0 hiding by Stephen Lee at the recent Regal Masters – his first whitewash since the 1999 Scottish Open – by knocking out Michael Judge 5-4. However, it was hardly vintage Williams – his best break was only 61 in frame six.

"Losing to Stephen was a shock at the time," admitted the Welshman. "No one should be good enough to beat me 6-0, though it was my first match of the season."

Qualifier Michael Holt was also smiling as he beat Quinten Hann 5-4.