ROD LAWLER gained a shock victory last evening in the £1.2 million Embassy World Championship in Sheffield at the expense of fellow Liverpudlian John Parrott.
Parrott became the second top 16 seed to be removed from the first round stage following Gary Wilkinson's 10-9 defeat of David Roe.
Steve Davis almost joined Parrott and Roe among the also rans. He trailed Willie Thorne 8-5 but won five on the trot to squeeze through 10-8 early this morning.
Davis punched the air in triumph and wife Judy, watching back stage, let out a squeal of delight as 38 year old Davis booked his place in the last 16.
Over nine hours after they started their 27th career meeting, Davis denied Thorne only his fourth ever victory. It was heartbreaking for Thorne, who doubled a re spotted black to lead 8-5 and then held half a chance to go 9-5 ahead with five to play.
But not for the first time in his long career, the Leicester man who has never been beyond the quarter finals in 20 attempts at The Crucible wilted under the pressure. Thorne was not to win another frame as Davis earned a match against either Terry Griffiths or Scottish newcomer Jamie Burnett.
Liverpool fan Lawler toppled Parrott, an Everton supporter, 10-6 to earn a second round place against Stoke's Dave Harold.
This has got to be the best result of my career," said Lawler, ranked 40 in the world and a 350 to 1 chance to win the title before the start on Saturday.
John said some very complimentary things about the way I played and that was very sporting of him," added Lawler, who first rose to prominence by reaching the International Open final at Swindon last month.
For Parrott (31), it was the first time in 13 visits to the Crucible Theatre he had failed to clear the opening hurdle.
I've no complaints confirmed the 1991 champion and 989 runner up. After all I've scraped a few 10-9s in my time.
"From 7-6 to 10-6 that's the best I've ever seen Rod play. He's a hard competitor and if there's 40 or 50 to be had he'll get them." And Parrott added. "Now it will be interesting to see just how far he can go.
Parrott began the day 6-3 down but soon seemed well on course to crush Lawler's challenge when the match resumed. In 46 minutes, he compiled breaks of 99, 60 and 87 to tie the scores at 6-6.
The 13th frame proved to be unlucky for Parrott, for he went in off the final brown and Lawler cleared brown to pink to regain the advantage.
"That shouldn't have happened to a dog, but it happened to me," groaned the world number four, winner of the Thailand Classic and European Open crowns.
"After that Rod played fantastic stuff. I made one poor safety shot and it cost me the next three frames. This defeat seals a disappointing end of season for me after it promised much."
Lawler's victory means he will have to cancel an invitation to play in Pakistan later this week to prepare for his best of 25 frames clash with Harold.
The only surprise of Wilkinson's victory was that he almost squandered his chance to meet stablemate Stephen Hendry in round two.
Had it not been for a determined late fight back, the former World Matchplay champion might have blown his opportunity altogether.
