Blackpool snooker star James Cahill beaten by Matthew Stevens as season of struggle continues

The Marton 25-year-old was whitewashed 4-0 at Celtic Manor, the fourth successive tournament in which Cahill (right) has fallen at the first hurdle.

His only previous encounter with Stevens ended in a 6-1 defeat at the UK Championship in 2016 – a tournament the Welshman won in 2003 – and Monday’s rematch was just as one-sided.

A 62 break was enough for Stevens to take the first frame, and although world No.89 Cahill put up a better fight in the next two frames his misses at vital times proved costly.

Stevens completed his clean sweep with a break of 56 in frame four and will face former champion Shaun Maguire in the second round today.

This is the first event of the season not held at Milton Keynes but the new venue could not change Cahill’s fortunes.

He has won only twice in eight ranking tournaments, last tasting success against Lyu Haotian in the Northern Ireland Open in November.

He is due back at Milton Keynes for the Gibraltar Open at the start of next month.

Watch the Welsh Open live on Eurosport and Eurosport app.

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