Local wildcard Robbie McGuigan was beaten 4-3 by Anthony McGill after the Scot needed three snookers when on the verge of defeat at the Northern Ireland Open on Tuesday, with the world number 20 admitting he has never won a match like that before.
The 19-year-old from Antrim looked set to cause a big upset by beating the former World Championship semi-finalist 4-1, as he looked to be in a winning position in the fifth frame.
McGill needed three snookers to stay alive and he found them, winning that frame and then the next two to edge out the teenager and disappoint the crowd in Belfast.
The 32-year-old offered a bit of advice for the youngster, suggesting that he should hold his celebrations until the match is won.
‘I don’t think I have ever won a match like that, where I needed three snookers,’ said McGill. ‘Robbie still looked composed after that. It’s one of those painful defeats for him, but there’s no doubt he will get on the tour.
‘I was very impressed by him. It will be one of those matches he looks back on – I have had loads of them. He will learn, he’s a fantastic player.
‘He punched the air when he was 39 ahead on the yellow. I said to him at the end, I don’t mind the fist pump, but maybe do it after the handshake. It didn’t fire me up at all, I’m not like that. In fact I was thinking that he deserved the match.’
McGill is sporting a new look this week in Belfast, wearing a glove and playing with a black, carbon cue, which he admits he is still getting familiar with.
He was a long way from his best in the win over McGuigan, not making a single half-century in the contest.
‘I haven’t made my mind up about it yet,’ he said. ‘It’s good enough to use but I am still trying to get used to it.
‘I practised with it last week and decided to take a chance and use it at a tournament. I’m not in a good run of form anyway so if I’d had my wooden cue I probably would have lost by now.’
McGill has got Noppon Saengkham or Barry Pinches in the next round in Belfast.
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