'I’ll treat Ronnie to dinner' – Martin Gould thanks Ronnie O'Sullivan after Zhao Xintong win at World Grand Prix
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ByEurosport
Updated 14/12/2021 at 10:45 GMT
Martin Gould took full advantage of grabbing the final spot at the World Grand Prix with a 4-2 win over new UK champion Zhao Xintong in the first round of the coveted £380,000 year-ending event in Coventry. The former German Masters winner is thankful to Ronnie O'Sullivan for helping him secure his place at the tournament with a 5-4 win over Li Hang in last week's Scottish Open quarter-finals.
Top 10 shots from the Scottish Open featuring O'Sullivan, Trump, Brecel
Martin Gould has vowed to treat Ronnie O'Sullivan to a slap-up meal as a thank you for helping him secure the final spot at the prestigious World Grand Prix in Coventry.
The 'Pinner Potter' admitted he was sitting with a cup of tea on Friday after losing 4-2 to John Higgins in the last 16 of the Scottish Open in Llandudno on Thursday with no thoughts of playing in the Grand Prix this week.
But his practice partner O'Sullivan's 5-4 victory over Li Hang in the Scottish Open last eight denied Hang the remaining spot at the coveted year-ending event with Gould taking full advantage as he completed a 4-2 win over top seed Zhao Xintong in the first round.
The Londoner trailed 2-1 to the UK champion, who rolled in a classy 101 break in the third frame, before former German Masters holder Gould compiled knocks of 75, 52 and 79 to reach the last 16 and secure a meeting with Masters winner Yan Bingtao.
Gould is guaranteed £7,500 from the event, and could collect £12,500 if he reaches the quarter-finals.
“The century he made in the third frame actually gave me the kick start I needed,” said the world number 19, who is thriving with a new cue in hand. “After that I decided to up the tempo and get a nice rhythm around the table going.
"I didn’t watch any of Ronnie’s game against Li Hang. I was on my way home while they were playing, then I got my washing on and made myself a couple of tea. A mate texted me and told me I was in.
I’ll have to treat Ronnie to some dinner next time we have a game! I feel as if I am on a free roll now.
“I have been playing with a new cue for the last couple of weeks, I feel very comfortable with it and I am enjoying the challenge of something new. I’d had the previous cue for 25 years, then it died on me just before the Scottish Open.
"I almost pulled out because I felt there was no way I could get used to a new one, but I’m glad now that I played. I’m just looking for that week where everything clicks – it could be this week, you never know.”
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Awkward handshake alert as Yan completes victory over Gould
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