Paul Jennings bt Garry Thompson 3-1

Sparkling debutant Paul Jennings tamed Garry “The Cougar” Thompson into a 3-1 submission to win through their first round clash.

But the 12^th seed from Hartlepool was made to work for his victory in the 40-minute gripper by the never-say-die West Yorkshireman.

The newcomer made a dramatic start to his Lakeside debut hitting bull for an opening set winning 81 checkout, unchallenged by Thompson who has twice reached the last eight.

Showing no trace of first night nerves in his Frimley Green bow, Jennings surged 2-0 ahead, taming the man known as the Cougar, who scrambled to the next two legs, after impressive Jennings missed double 18 for a 147 set winner. In the deciding fifth leg Jenno fired out a maximum as he eased into a shock 2-0 match lead.

But Thompson is a scrapper and blitzed through the third set unchallenged, clinching it with an 81 checkout, finished on double 18, to tee up his 47^th birthday celebrations tomorrow (Monday). 

Double eight gave Jenno a 2-0 fourth set lead only to see the gritty Silsden man claw his way back taking the third leg on double tops and then firing out a 180 as he clinched the fourth leg on double five to take it into a deciding leg.

Thompson was favourite for the leg after hitting a maximum, Jennings sweeping back with 174 but then missing an astonishing six match-winning doubles before scrambling home on double four after Thomson himself had missed doubles to keep his tournament hopes alive.

“I’ve waited 15 years to play at Lakeside,” said a beaming Jennings after his win, spoiling Thompson’s birthday plans!