Poland’s Antoni Kowalski survived a final frame decider to beat Englishman Callum Beresford 4-3 at Q School Event Two in Leicester.
Kowalski is aiming to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Adam Stefanow and Kacper Filipiak, who graced the World Snooker Tour in recent years.
The 20-year-old performed well on the Q Tour last season, winning event four on his way to the playoffs. However, Kowalski was denied a shot at a tour card after defeat in the semi-finals of the playoffs to Yu Kiu Chang.
Kowalski said: “I’ve wasted golden chances to get on tour. I thought I was capable of being professional at 16 years old, but I wasted all of my opportunities. This is different to any other tournament. Tony Knowles was on the other table at the age of 68 and I am 20. It is incredible.
“I believe I can do it. To this point something has always not been working. Hopefully it will click here and I can win a professional tour card.”
After coming through today’s nerve shredding encounter, Kowalski now faces Martyn Taylor, who defeated Tony Knowles 4-2.
James Cahill, former conqueror of Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Crucible, defeated Welsh 15-year-old Riley Powell 4-2. Cahill is up against Hayden Staniland in the next round.
Stephen Hallworth beat Brandon Sargeant 4-2 in a clash between two former professionals, while Alex Taubman whitewashed three-time Women’s World Champion Ng On Yee 4-0.
