Ryan Day, the runner-up in last month's Malta Cup, secured a place in the final stages of this year's world championship with a 10-5 victory over Dumbarton's Marcus Campbell at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield last night.

Day, the provisional world No14, reached the second round at The Crucible last year where he lost a high quality encounter 13-10 to Ronnie O'Sullivan.

"The Crucible is where everyone wants to finish their season. The atmosphere is so good that it's impossible not to get yourself up for matches there," said 26-year-old Day from Pontycymmer, Mid-Glamorgan.

The first-round draw will be made next Monday.