Ford compiles four centuries

Tom Ford became only the second player in the sport’s history to compile four centuries in a best-of-nine-frame match as he reached the second qualifying round of the Welsh Open in Prestatyn last night.

Ford, the world number 74 from Leicester, unleashed his volley of high scoring during a 5-3 victory over Gateshead’s Gary Wilson.

The 21-year-old began with a run of 125 and added a 106 to win the third frame before making it 3-1 with a break of 137.

After Wilson had won the sixth, Ford made it 4-2 through an effort of 104 and clinched victory two frames later, although had to settle for runs of 38 and 49.

Wilson, 19, fired in a break of 105 to win the seventh frame having made an 89 in the second frame.

Peter Ebdon had previously knocked in four centuries in a best-of-nine match against Alan McManus in the qualifiers for the 1993 European Open.

Stephen Hendry holds the record for most centuries in a single match after making seven tons during his 10-5 defeat of Ken Doherty in the 1994 UK Championship final.