DAD'S SONG IS CUE FOR TEARS

SCOTT DONALDSON was proud he held himself together to reach the last 16 of the UK Championship for the first time.

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The grieving Perth potter, 31, opened up about the sad loss of father Hector after qualifying for the event last week.

Donaldson's dad used to travel with him to York and the Scot was in tears as he walked into the arena before his impressive 6-1 victory over former champion Mark Allen.

The world No.52 walked out to Babylon by David Gray, one of his dad’s favourite songs which was played at his funeral.

Donaldson, who plays three-time winner Ding Junhui next, said: “I didn't expect to be that emotional when I walked out.

“I was fine until I got to the top of the stairs and then it hit me because the last time I was in that arena was with my dad. That's the thing about being a human being, emotions can just come out anytime.

“It was good emotion. It was tough to go through but once I got the first frame under my belt I was okay.