Lawler secures clash against rival for Ireland spot

Oct 25 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL potter Rod Lawler is just one victory away from qualifying for next month’s Northern Ireland Trophy.

The provisional world number 45 impressed with a 5-3 victory over Norwegian cueman Kurt Maflin yesterday in the penultimate round of qualifying at the Pontin’s Holiday Park in Prestatyn, North Wales.

And with victory now locks horns with Widnes professional Andrew Higginson, last season’s Welsh Open runner-up, in the final round today.

The pair have practised with each other on numerous occasions, although Lawler admits there will be no love lost as both of them try to secure their place at the third ranking of the season, which runs between November 4-11 at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Andrew, it’s a big match for both of us,” said Lawler.

“I’ll be focusing on the match and not even thinking about playing in Belfast, but that’s the main aim. Hopefully I can reproduce the form I showed against Kurt.”

Lawler started with a 66 break to take the opening frame. He pinched the second 61-53, edging ahead on the final black ball.

And it got even better for the Liverpudlian as a run of 52 was enough for a 3-0 lead.

Maflin hit back with breaks of 100 and 86 to reduce his arrears. Lawler won the next with a 46 break, only for Maflin to win the next.

Lawler held his nerve with a 52 break in the eighth frame to secure his place in the next phase.

“Kurt’s a very dangerous player. He came back at me well and made some good breaks, so it was good to win the match,” admitted Lawler.

“I played very well. I made some good breaks and had a good start. I was happy with the way I played.”