Defending Madrid Open champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka both triumphed in their opening clashes in the Spanish capital on Friday to reach the third round.Men's world number three Alcaraz shone on home clay after a forearm problem led to his withdrawals from the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open.
The Antrim cueman faces John Higgins in a high-profile second-round clash at the Crucible.
The club made their move for the Dutchman to become Jurgen Klopp’s successor earlier this week.