Bradford's Simon Bedford, who won nine matches to qualify in 1998, is on the Embassy World Championship trail again.

The 23-year-old left-hander from Fairweather Green defeated one-armed opponent Grahame Francis (Cambridge) 6-1 in the second qualifying round at the Newport Centre.

Bedford, who competed at three different venues two years ago before losing 10-6 to Steve Davis in the first round proper, lost the opening frame 52-48. But Bedford hit back with breaks of 53 and 101 on his way to sealing victory.

Andrew Milliard (Kendal), who supplements his snooker income by performing in a male strip group, was beaten 6-0 by Surinder Gill (Bournemouth)

Bedford and Gill still need to win six matches to advance to the televised stage of the £1.46 million event at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre in April.

Bradford-born Jamie Bodle (Scarborough) defeated Dan-iele Zagaroli (Eastleigh) 6-4.

Mike Hallett (Grimsby) had a walkover against 71-year-old Jack Fitzmaurice from Solihull.

Professionals Steve Newbury (Neath) and Mark Johnston-Allen (Bristol) were both involved in 6-5 deciders. Newbury lost to Andrew Highfield (Wolverhampton), Johnston-Allen defeating Mark Weston (Duckinfield).

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.