Jonathan Williams is into the semi-finals of the Irish National Championship after an impressive 5-4 victory over former champion Rodney Goggins on Friday in Carlow.
Monaghan man Williams, who writes regularly on the Irish scene for SnookerHQ, had earlier beaten John O’Sullivan 4-2 to reach the quarter-finals.
The 28 year-old has frequently come up short against Goggins but finally got one over the national champion of 2000 in a dramatic contest that went all the way to the final black in the decider.
Williams quipped afterwards, “if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.”
Returning this season after a couple of years out from the game having lived abroad, Williams is now back in the last four of the campaign-concluding championship for the first time since 2012.
His task doesn’t get any easier, though, as standing in his way of a maiden final berth is European Under-21 champion Josh Boileau.
Boileau conceded only a frame each in his comfortable victories over Stephen Reddington and Philip Browne.
The 20 year-old is looking to end his domestic amateur career on a high before he takes up a two-year card to play professionally on the Main Tour.
Boileau told SnookerHQ earlier this week, “I’m feeling quite confident and putting the hours in on the table. I’m sure the results will speak for themselves come this weekend.”
In the top half of the draw, two-time former champion TJ Dowling recorded a brace of excellent wins.
Winner in 1997 and 1998, Dowling whitewashed top seed Jason Devaney in the last 16 before sealing his place in the semi-finals with a 5-1 thumping of ex-pro Joe Delaney.
Dowling will meet twice runner-up David Hogan, who was equally impressive during his 4-1 and 5-0 triumphs over George O’Hara and John Farrell respectively.
Farrell had earlier dispatched of defending champion Brendan O’Donoghue in a shock 4-1 scoreline.
The semi-finals are contested today following RIBSA’s AGM at the Ivy Rooms, before the final on Sunday which will determine the 2016 national champion.
