Perry gains second win in the Premier League Snooker - 25/09/2008

JOE Perry made it two wins from two starts in his first PartyPoker.com Premier League Snooker season as he beat Steve Davis 4-2.

Joe Perry

Breaks of 80, 67 and 55 saw Perry overcome the loss of the opening frame and a hard fought fifth, where both players made 40 plus breaks, saw the Chatteris man over the line.

"It's going really well and long may it continue," said Perry. "I was really nervous but I enjoyed it. I’m playing well and picking up points along the way."

Historically, debutants have always had a torrid time in the Premier League but an excellent 4-2 win over Ronnie O’Sullivan last week gave Perry the confidence he needed.

Although Davis battled, Perry always held the upper hand as Davis fought fatigue following a very early start on Thursday morning.

The six-time World Champion employed an unusual break shot, going off the side and bottom cushions to leave the cue ball behind the pack.

His reasoning was that the cushions were too responsive and gave his opponent an advantage after his break shot but it had very little impact.

Davis had travelled from his Essex home to Prestatyn in North Wales to compete in a qualifying match for the Grand Prix at 10am. Having beaten Tom Ford 5-4, he travelled across country to Derby where following a few hours sleep he took on Perry.

Following a trip to China, Perry next takes on Stephen Hendry in Plymouth in October.

"You can’t prepare for Stephen Hendry," added Perry. "You just have to be on top of your game and hope you pot enough balls."

2008 PartyPoker.com Premier League Snooker
Week Three - Assembly Rooms, Derby.
Joe Perry 4-2 Steve Davis
45-77 (Perry 45, Davis 32), 85-8 (Perry 80), 75-27 (Perry 67), 61-0 (Perry 55), 63-45 (Perry 47, Davis 44), 30–94 (Davis 65).