World Championship snooker: 'Missed playing' – Marco Fu uncertain of future after defeat to Ian Burns in first round

Ian Burns made a 141 break as he held off a spirited recovery by Marco Fu to complete a 6-5 win in the opening round of the World Championship qualifiers in Sheffield. The three-time ranking event winner and double world semi-finalist Fu last appeared in an event in February 2020 when he lost 4-2 to Ding Junhui at the Welsh Open. Ad/> World No 111 led 3-2 and 5-3 boosted by knocks of 141 – the highest of the event so far – 53 and 90.

Fu rallied with runs of 50, 99 and 122 before Burns won the decider with a knock of 73 to seal a match in the second qualifying round with Elliot Slessor. /> World ChampionshipDeliberate or accidental? Pagett causes stir after failing to call foul18 HOURS AGO The former World No 5 is keen to play in more events next season on a wild card, but admits it depends on the quarantine rules staying at seven days in future months. Pagett ends White hopes in opening World Championship qualifier World Championship qualifiers — Latest results, scores, schedule “It was nice to be back, I missed playing on the pro circuit," said Fu on World Snooker Tour.

«I have been stuck in Covid for two years and I almost forgot how to play the game. I didn’t expect too much today because I only had a week of intense training. /> “I still enjoy playing, though I have not practised more than twice a week for the last two years, so I feel like an amateur challenging the pros.

I feel proud of the way I played today, but Ian played very well and it was hard to live with that standard. /> “I’m not too sure what the future holds for me. I would love to pay in more tournaments next season but it all depends on what the quarantine rules are when I travel back to Hong Kong.