ONLY nine years short of her own century, Phyllis Thompson was a special guest at the Barbican Centre this week to see some of her favourite sportsmen trying to rack up 100.

Ricky Walden, at the age of 22 one of the youngest players in the Travis Perkins UK Championship, was there to greet her just before he went on to beat former world and UK champion John Higgins.

The 91-year-old snooker fan from North Duffield is a keen follower of Steve Davis and John Parrott and has forthright opinions about the state of snooker today from what it when she saw first saw Davis making his way to the top.

"It's too slow these days and the players are too serious," she said.

"There isn't the fun that there used to be, but I still love watching snooker and it's a treat to come to York for such a great tournament."

Meanwhile, world ranked number 78 Walden admits that he is still on a learning curve in his career.

"I'm nowhere near the finished article," said the 22-year-old from Flintshire, who has been a pro for only four years.

"I believe in myself and I don't fear anyone," he said, while adding that he also treats players like Higgins and his next opponent, former world and UK champion John Parrott, with a lot of respect.

That third round clash starts tomorrow afternoon and finishes on Monday.

Updated: 13:06 Saturday, November 20, 2004