China Open winner Chris Melling’s hot streak couldn’t quite take him to the World Nine-Ball Pool Championship title in Qatar.

The Keighley man safely came through his group with victories over the talented Antonia Gabica (Philippines) 9-8, who eventually reached the last 16, and Lo Li Wen (Japan) 9-2.

Korean teenager Yong Hwang was despatched 11-2 in just 45 minutes in the last 64 before Melling ran into fellow Englishman Mark Gray in the last 32.

It would need perfection to win this contest, and Melling’s 37-year-old opponent provided it. Former snooker professional Gray won 11-10 but only qualified to play Melling by winning his last five frames against Kuo Po Cheng (Chinese Taipei) in the previous round.

After defeating Hwang, Melling said: “I’m playing unbelievable right now. I’m breaking well. I’m controlling the cue, getting a shot on the one ball.

“I’ve missed three balls in this tournament so far. Someone is going to have to play very good to beat me. I’m not trying to be cocky, but you have to have confidence to win this thing and I’m very confident right now. I’m definitely here to win it.”

Unfortunately, Melling ran into a man whose form was even better. But Gray didn’t win the tournament, losing in the semi-finals.

Yukio Akagariyama of Japan took the title, defeating the Philippines’ Ronnie Alcano 13-11.