by Callum Ellis
DUANE Jones feels there is pressure on the Welsh to perform after crashing out of the 2019 Welsh Open against Robbie Williams.
Williams took the first frame before increasing his advantage with a break of 73 in the second.
Despite a break of 54 in the third, the world number 72 Jones failed to secure the frame by falling to a 65-54 defeat.
He entered the fourth with a mountain to climb as Williams broke with 125 to put the match beyond the Welshman’s reach.
“The Welsh don’t do well here because there is so much expectation,” said Jones.
“I wasn’t brilliant this morning but that’s life I suppose – you take the rough with the smooth.
“I’ve had a bit of smooth lately and a good fortnight so I can’t complain.
“If you had given me the two weeks that I have had, two weeks ago, I would have bitten your hand off so I’ve got to try and look at it like that.”
The 25-year-old pulled off a shock 4-2 victory against Judd Trump on Wednesday afternoon but admitted he felt the pressure to match that performance against Williams.
“After coming off such a high yesterday, out in the fields, you’ve got to adjust.
“I didn’t think [about the pressure] initially but subconsciously, there was a bit of expectation I put on myself – but it’s something that you have got to deal with.”
Jones complemented his opponent and insisted he will take the positives from the tournament into the remainder of the season.
“I felt a little bit flat but you can’t take anything away from him, I thought he played quite well. I lost a couple of scrappy little frames. He played pretty decent and he’s a good player.
He added: “It’s easy to be disappointed but it’s been a good two weeks and I’ve enjoyed it.”
Williams will face either Stuart Bingham or Martin O’Donnell in the fourth round of the competition.
(Featured image: Benutzer)
