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Matthew Stevens set up a clash with Ronnie O'Sullivan at the UK Championships with a crushing 9-1 victory over Adrian Gunnell in qualifying at Prestatyn.

Stevens, winner of the tournament in 2003, brushed aside the challenge of Gunnell thanks to a top break of 107 and six further runs of over 30.

Such a convincing victory for the 32-year-old Welshman not only booked a place at December's tournament in Telford, but also boosted his chances of reclaiming a place in the top 16.

"Any time you win 9-1 you have to be delighted," said Stevens. "Adrian beat me in the same round a couple of years ago so I know what a good player he is, although he wasn't at his best today.

"Ronnie is a great draw for me because I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. I've been playing well and I know I can beat him. I wouldn't be playing if I didn't think I could still win tournaments. I tend to play better the further I go."

Elsewhere, veteran Steve Davis won through to Telford with a 9-7 win over Michael Judge, while Judd Trump edged Mark Davis by the same scoreline.

Davis will now play Stephen Hendry in Telford, while Trump faces Peter Ebdon.

In other results, Jamie Cope beat Ken Doherty 9-6, Liang Wenbo won 9-4 against Michael White and Dave Harold fell to a 9-5 defeat to Anthony Hamilton.

Rounding off the day's results, Ricky Walden was too strong for Andrew Higginson, winning 9-6, and Tom Ford beat Barry Hawkins 9-5.

Results

Matthew Stevens 9-1 Adrian Gunnell

Judd Trump 9-7 Mark Davis

Steve Davis 9-7 Michael Judge

Jamie Cope 9-6 Ken Doherty

Liang Wenbo 9-4 Michael White

Dave Harold 5-9 Anthony Hamilton

Ricky Walden 9-6 Andrew Higginson

Barry Hawkins 5-9 Tom Ford

Snooker - UK Championship Telford:

Saturday 1pm LIVE on British Eurosport 2 (Sky 411 / Virgin Media 525) & Eurosport Player

Saturday 4.45pm & 8.45pm LIVE on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521) & Eurosport Player

Sunday 1pm LIVE on British Eurosport 2 (Sky 411 / Virgin Media 525) & Eurosport Player

Sunday 7.30pm LIVE on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521) & Eurosport Player

Eurosport