Snooker ace eager to face Fearless Fergal

Devon’s Sam Baird has spoke of his optimism ahead of a Welsh Open Round One tie with Fergal O’Brien.

Being drawn against the ‘baby faced assassin’ for Tuesday 17 February was neither the best nor worst of possibilities according to Sam

“I’m just glad not to have drawn a real top player”, explained the 26 year old, “Anyone else I feel I can compete against.”

But Baird is under no illusions that O’Brien will provide easy opposition.

“Fergal is a very tough player”, continued The Blade, “He’s done well recently and gone up the rankings a bit – which is great at his stage of his career.”

The Dublin-born player is currently ranked 28th, and once reached the heights of the top ten in 2000/01 – though has struggled in the Welsh Open with just one Second Round appearance in the last thirteen years, following three quarter finals prior to 2002.

Sam in contrast has fared better in recent editions of the tournament – defeating Round One opposition on two out of three occasions, but understands the test 42-year-old Fergal may pose.

“We’ve played a few times and I expect him to make it difficult for me even if he’s not playing well – which is what makes him tough to beat. But if I play okay”, concludes Sam, “I have a good chance to win.”