Andy Hamilton began his 2013 Ladbrokes World Championship campaign by beating James Richardson 3-1 at Alexandra Palace last night.
In a match that could have been a potential banana skin for Hamilton he displayed steady nerves after falling 1 set behind
Richardson who had spectacularly beaten 5 times champion Raymond van Barneveld at the same stage last year pushed the Hammer throughout the match and can be commended for putting up a spirited display.
Hamilton will now play Richie Burnett on Friday for a place in the last 16 of the million pound tournament.
On Saturday night Bristol’s Steve Brown lost in straight sets to World number 10 Terry Jenkins. Brown had the better scoring average but failed to punish the ever reliable Jenkins and will be glad to see the end of a disappointing 2012 season.