Snooker Shoot Out: Michael Holt impresses on short notice while Reanne Evans makes history
Michael Holt of England
Former Snooker Shoot Out champion Michael Holt made the most of his late call-up to make the final 32 of this year’s tournament in Leicester.
Holt, the 2020 champion who made a tournament-best break of 116 in his first-round victory over Lei Peifan, beat Robbie McGuigan 37-13 in the one-frame event despite owning up to his lack of match preparation.
"Life's got in the way a little bit," Nottingham-based Holt told Eurosport.
"I've been playing the least amount of snooker I've ever played in my life.
"I had a few hours when I got the call-up, but you just try your best."
As well as winning the BetVictor Snooker Shoot Out three years ago, Holt finished runner-up in 2019 and has now won the most matches in the history of the tournament.
He said: "If you embrace the atmosphere and tournament you can enjoy it whatever happens.
"You've got to enjoy the chaos basically, and fortunately I have done in the past."
Reanne Evans had become the first woman to win a match in the event by beating Stuart Bingham in the opening round on Thursday.
But Evans was instantly on the backfoot as Gary Wilson fluked a red to set up a 44 break, and the 'Tyneside Terror' wrapped up a comfortable 83-4 victory.
Moldovan Vladislav Gradinari, just 14, reached the last 32 with a 42-20 success over Victor Sarkis.
Another 14-year-old Riley Powell lost 38-2 to his fellow Welshman Daniel Wells.
Three-time world champion Mark Williams edged out Dean Young 45-41, while former Shoot Out winners Dominic Dale, Martin Gould and Michael White all progressed.
There were also victories for Belgium's Julien Leclercq - who rattled in a 93 break - Ali Carter, Fergal O'Brien, Tom Ford, Liam Highfield, Dylan Emery and Jack Lisowski.
But Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, the 2019 champion, lost to fellow Thai Dechawat Poomjaeng 40-62, while Ben Mertens suffered defeat in the final seconds as Fan Zhengyi sank a decisive green.
Recommended Offers
£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get £10 in Free Bets
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
