Davis grinds past qualifier Hicks

Davis' measured and tactical approach worked

Six-times champion Steve Davis battled into the second round at the Crucible with a 10-4 win over Andy Hicks.

The 48-year-old took a 6-2 lead into the final session but that was reduced by two as his 32-year-old opponent from Devon mounted a fightback.

But that was cut short by the 'Nugget' winning the 11th and very scrappy 12th to put himself within touching distance of victory.

Davis won the mistake-filled 14th frame to set up a meeting with Shaun Murphy.

"I quite enjoyed the match," said the 48-year-old.

"I was even able to laugh at some of the shots I missed and the crowd were laughing too."

The six-time champion will now face the defending champion Shaun Murphy, who beat him in last year's quarter-finals.

"I'm looking forward to playing Shaun," Davis added. "I love the way he plays but I'd love to turn him over. I will go in there and play aggressively."

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S Davis (Eng) 10-4 A Hicks (Eng)
34-75 (61) 83-34 69-40 21-92 91-24 60-40 74-38 70-38 1-108 (58) 37-70 (58) 82-12 65-2 65-43 81-47