Ananova:

Former world finalist Nigel Bond is determined to play his way out of the snooker doldrums and an opening victory at the Benson and Hedges Championship in Malvern was a step in the right direction.

The former world number five from Derbyshire reached round three of the £35,000 event with a 5-4 victory over little-known Paul Davison.

But the scoreline tells only half the story as the 1996 British Open champion compiled three centuries in six frames, including 102 in the decider.

"Scoring heavily is only half the battle," said Bond who has dropped to number 23 on the rankings.

"You must win the scrappy frames as well and I haven't been doing that. I also need to try and string a few good wins together."

Davison, the world number 153 from Pickering, threatened to cause an upset when he led 3-2. But Bond showed his class by compiling breaks of 121, 56, 115 and his final effort of 102.

"I was pleased to get over the line," agreed Bond hoping for another red letter day when he faces Devon postman Andy Neck for a place in the last 32.

Neck had a wasted journey from his Newton Abbot home after the snooker authorities failed to inform him fellow Devonian Darren Clarke had pulled out through illness.

Welsh youngster Ryan Day, whose brother Rhys is a promising defending with Manchester City, knocked out Scotsman Drew Henry, the world number 29, 5-4.

Day, ranked 124th, first came to prominence with his shock victory over Steve Davis at the Welsh Open last season.

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