Essex teenager Owain Taylor today pulled off a massive shock in the Barcelona PSA M5 qualifying event as he bridged a mammoth 147 place gap in the World Rankings to triumph over Richard Williams.
Colchester-born Owain (ranked 377) surged into a one game lead before Williams, who lives in Spain, clawed a game back to level proceedings. Taylor redoubled his efforts though to seal an 11-6, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7 victory to move on to the next round.
Owain, who represents Wales, will go on to face Phil Nightingale after the Englishman stormed to a commanding win over Alberto Pomares.
Results – First Qualifying Round: XVI Trofeu Internacional Ciutat de Barcelona 2015
[L] Ivan Flores (ESP) bt [1] Daniel Mekbib (CZE) w/o
Aitor Zunzunegui (ESP) bt [8] Xavi Blasco (ESP) 3-1: 9-11, 11-3, 11-3, 11-3
Owain Taylor (WAL) bt [5] Richard Williams (ENG) 3-1: 11-6, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7
[4] Phil Nightingale (ENG) bt Alberto Pomares (ESP) 3-0: 11-6, 11-8, 11-4
[3] Ahmed Hussein (EGY) bt [L] Nilo Vidal (ESP) 3-0: 13-11, 11-6, 11-4
Pascal Gomez (ESP) bt [6] Claudio Pinto (POR) 3-0: 11-6, 11-6, 11-7
[7] Robert Dadds (ENG) bt [L] Tess Jutte (NED) 3-2: 12-14, 9-11, 11-3, 11-3, 11-3
[2] Antonio De La Torre (GUA) bt [L] Ramon Lafuente (ESP) 3-0: 11-8, 11-8, 11-3
Draw – Final Qualifying Draw
[L] Ivan Flores (ESP) v Aitor Zunzunegui (ESP)
Owain Taylor (WAL) v [4] Phil Nightingale (ENG)
[3] Ahmed Hussein (EGY) v Pascal Gomez (ESP)
[7] Robert Dadds (ENG) v [2] Antonio De La Torre (GUA)