Joe Perry edges out Matthew Stevens in thriller to secure Northern Ireland Open snooker place
Joe Perry won the final two frames to complete a 4-3 victory against former world finalist Matthew Stevens in Northern Ireland Open qualifying in Wigan. Welsh Open holder Perry made two 56 breaks in the first three frames, but Stevens – runner-up at the Crucible in 2000 and 2005 – moved 3-2 clear courtesy of a 74, 61 and 85 on Saturday at the Robin Park Leisure Centre. Ad With the pressure mounting, Perry – who defeated 9-5 Judd Trump to lift his first major trophy at the Welsh in March – responded strongly as closing efforts of 54 and 56 secured his last-64 spot in Belfast (17-23 October live on Eurosport).