Kelly a step closer to semi-finals after dramatic win
· Yahoo Sports
Gary Kelly came from behind to beat Mitchell Graham from Norfolk Island in a one-end shootout to maintain his unbeaten run in the men’s singles.
The Ballymoney man lost the first set 5-10 before bouncing back to take the second set 9-3.
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He then produced a stunning shot in the extra end to secure the win.
“You know, what a challenge. He was a fantastic competitor. He played extremely well there, and you could say he was sort of dominating the length that I was dominating, so I had to change up my tactics and my strategy within the game there,” Kelly told BBC Sport NI.
“He definitely made me feel uncomfortable at times, and I'm just very grateful and thankful to get the win.”
It’s the second game Kelly has been taken to a shootout and he’s prevailed both times.
“I mean, on one hand you'd love it to be more comfortable, but at the same time it is good to have that challenge and just know that you've got it within yourself to perform under pressure when it really matters.
“So obviously I've just got to try and take confidence from that, you know, moving forward to the next game.”
Kelly now awaits the result later this evening from the game involving New Zealander Shannon McIlroy and South African Wayne Rittmuller.
A victory for McIlroy would see Kelly qualify for the semi-finals.
If not the Pool winner could be determined by the final game on Monday between Kelly and Rittmuller.
“At the end of the day, you know, destiny is in my hands, which is fantastic.“