Former world champion John Roe & two-time Challenger Series finalist Lewis Roberts advanced to the last 16 of the ultimatepool.tv Pairs Cup after winning Group 7 of the competition.

Both representing The Court Pool & Snooker Club in Peterborough, the duo won all three of their matches in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Monday night.

In one of the most competitive groups of the tournament, so far, Roe & Roberts defeated Denis Horan & Karl McQuillan 3-0 before top seeds and group favourites Shane Thompson & Tom Cousins beat the dangerous Andy Appleton & Michael Tomlinson, 4-0.

During the inaugural edition of the Pairs Cup, Appleton & Tomlinson were the surprise package as they made it all the way to the semi-finals. However, this time they were eliminated early on as they dramatically lost 3-2 to Horan & McQuillan. With just seconds to go, the game was in the balance as Appleton rushed to clear the balls in frame five and secure his side maximum points. On the stroke of time elapsing, he potted the 8-ball but went in-off at the same time – gifting his opponents an unexpected win.

Match four of the evening would be pivotal as Roe & Roberts came from behind twice to oust Thompson & Cousins 3-2 in another thrilling finish. With time wearing thin, and the scores locked at 2-2, three-time Pro Series event winner Thompson gambled on a clearance but ended up with a busted flush as Team R&R mopped up with just three seconds left on the clock.

Heading into the final session, Thompson & Cousins dispatched Horan & McQuillan 4-0 to keep their hopes alive, but it was Roe & Roberts who would be celebrating, as they saw off Appleton & Tomlinson 3-0 to stay and finish top of the Group 7 pile.