The Republic of Ireland have qualified for the semi-finals of the Nations Cup after defeating China 4-3 in Reading today.
The team consisting of Ken Doherty, Fergal O’Brien and Michael Judge were leading 3-1 but a lapse of concentration in the fifth and sixth frames saw the Chinese get back on terms at 3-3.
But a determined Michael Judge kept his composure in the deciding frame to graft out a hard fought victory against Hasimu Tuerxun.
Tuerxun led 32-30 and was faced with only a moderately tough shot into a middle pocket. But the red stayed out and the 26-year-old Dubliner eventually took the frame 54-39 to clinch the match 4-3.
"Mike's our anchor man because he steadies the ship," said team captain Doherty.
Judge said of his Chinese opponent: "For someone as inexperienced as Hasimu he did ever so well. I really thought the match was slipping away from us."
Ireland are left facing a possible semi-final clash with Wales but Doherty was quick to dismiss suggestions that the team could not go all the way to the title.
"We're not settling for the semi-finals...we thought we'd blown our chances after losing to Northern Ireland. But we're right back in the tournament now and under this format anyone can win."
China's star was Da Hai Lin. He won both singles matches against Judge and O'Brien, losing only in the doubles with captain Marco Fu.
additional reporting PA