Jordan Brown was impressed by teenager Liam James Davies after fighting his way through their World Championship qualifying encounter on Saturday.
The former Welsh Open champion needed all of his experience to deny the talented 15 year-old amateur in a decider at the English Institute of Sport.
Davies, who became the youngest ever winner of a World Championship match earlier in the week, fought his way back from 3-1 and 5-3 behind to force a decider.
But Brown held on at the end to set up a Judgement Day clash against two-time former ranking event winner Michael White.
“Remember the name, Liam Davies,” a relieved Jordan Brown told the World Snooker Tour after completing the victory after midnight.
“What a player for his age, he certainly knows his way around the table. I know he’s under good coaching with Lee Walker – I believe he’s been coaching him from six years old.”
“Just keep doing what he’s doing, he’s a fantastic talent. At 3-1 I was just thinking to try and stay positive.
“Early doors he was showing signs that he wasn’t wilting, he didn’t look flustered at all, and it’s very hard to play against.
“He really impressed me there tonight, so yeah he’s got a bright future ahead of him.
“It’s the World Championships and I’ve been working so hard back home just to get ready for it, and it does all sorts to you.
“I was gone at one stage there – mainly down to Liam, he just put me under so much pressure – and I was just relieved to get over the line in the end.
“The World Championship is our blue-riband event. Everyone wants to get to the Crucible, it’s such a special place to play.
“I’ve good memories there. I qualified a couple of years ago, albeit with no crowd, but with there being a crowd this year I think that just makes the atmosphere what it is.
“I just really want to get back there, and I’m one step away now.”
Elsewhere on day six of the preliminary competition, Stephen Maguire was among the other players to book a spot in the final qualifying round.
Live coverage of the World Snooker Championship qualifiers will be available across Europe on the Eurosport App.
Viewer in all other territories – other than China – will have the option to subscribe to Matchroom.Live.
Featured photo credit: WST