German No.3 Thomas Engert made a successful Masters debut here at Lakeside Shopping Centre this afternoon with a hard fought win over 2000 World Championship runner-up Ismael Paez.

Engert, 34, from Duren near the Dutch border, looked nervous at the start but Paez, the twitchiest player in pool, could not capitalise as Engert moved into a 2-1 lead.

Paez then got himself together to move into a 4 - 2 lead, but Engert reasserted himself to win the next five racks and take the match.

Afterwards Engert was delighted with his performance: " It's a great atmosphere here and the spectators are appreciative towards both players. I felt a little nervous at the start but you have to be nervous to play well.

" I scratched twice early on to give him chances but he didn't take them and in a race to seven if you make too many mistakes you lose. I think Souquet will beat Younger which will be great because it will guarantee a German in the semi-final! Looking at the draw I think I can win this tournament at my first attempt because I am a good enough player."

17.00 hrs Steve Knight (England) v Kunihiko Takahashi (Japan)
19.00 hrs Steve Davis (England) v Fabio Petroni (Italy)
20.00 hrs Corey Deuel (USA) v Radaslaw Babica (Poland)

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