Gould eases through in European Masters qualifying

Pinner’s Martin Gould booked his place in October’s European Masters with a 4-1 qualifying win over Duane Jones on Thursday.

Gould, the world number 17, has been in inconsistent form so far this season, losing to World Amateur champion Soheil Vahedi in qualifying for the Indian Open earlier this week.

But there were no such problems against world number 106 Jones, although the Welshman did take the opening frame.

However, Gould hit back with breaks of 64 and 111 – his first ton in competition this season – to grab the upper hand.

The 35-year-old will face amateur Billy Joe Castle in the first round proper in Belgium.