EDEN SHARAV has qualified for the World Open in China after fighting to overturn a deficit against Rory McLeod.

The Alloa man showed resilience to come from 3-1 down and win 5-4 in a tense encounter with a lot at stake. 

Eden admitted breaking down the defensive minded McLeod was difficult, but never doubted his ability to get himself back into the match. 

He told Advertiser Sport: “My match with Rory was definitely a grind. His style of play can be very off putting, he’s very slow and frustrating to play against. 

“I went 3-1 down, but I lost a bad frame I shouldn’t have lost so I think a fair reflection would have been 2-2 at the interval.”

When it looked like it might all just fall apart, it turned out all the player needed to turn things around was a chat with an old pal.

“At this point my head was a little bit messed up,” he said. “But I had a word with a friend Richard MacDonald on the phone at the interval and that helped me. 

“I tried to stay mentally strong throughout the match and just focus on my game and my own technique.

“I then went 4-2 behind and I started thinking the worst, but I just stayed relaxed and started playing some good stuff and playing solid snooker. 

“When it went 3-4 I could see that Rory was starting to really feel the pressure and I had to punish him.

“It went 4-4 and I just said to myself to play a nice frame and play the right shots and hopefully do enough to win. 

“I managed to do that. I didn’t let him in to pot at all and kept him tight on the cushion.”

Eden has been in good form this season and stressed his determination to constantly improve and be successful in the sport.

He added: “I’m working hard and playing well in practice and in matches, but I never want to be satisfied, I’m always hungry to strive and get stronger and stronger everyday.”

And the player, who is looking forward to going to China for the fifth time, has even decided to treat his mum to the trip.

“I love it over there so I can’t wait,” he said. “My mum is going over there with me for the first time so that will be nice. 

“I won’t have any expectations going there or be focused on who I’m playing.

“All I try and do is focus on my own game and try to play solid proper snooker and if that’s enough to win then I’m happy, but as long as I know that I’ve tried my best and gave it 100 per cent every match.”