Luke Littler’s chase for qualifying prize money in the Players Championship started with a modest run to the quarter-finals of the 27th event.
The world number one has skipped the low-key floor events so far this year in order to manage his schedule.
However, his dream of winning a clean sweep of major titles in 2026 requires him to qualify for the Players Championship finals.
And with just eight floor events remaining before the finals weekend in November, Littler is in a race against time to win enough prize money.
The top 64 qualify for Minehead and the projected cut-off is over £30,000 after all 34 events.
And Littler was only able to add £4,000 to his tally on his first outing as he got to the last eight on Tuesday, losing 6-5 against Jermaine Wattimena.
The Dutchman took out a 115 checkout to claim a victory in the final-leg decider.
It was a blow for Littler, whose aim was to rack up enough prize money in as few appearances as possible.
The winner of each event scoops £15,000, and with another event in Leicester on Wednesday, the 19-year-old hoped to get the bulk of his winnings during 48 hours in the midlands.
However, no matter how he performs on Wednesday, he is likely to have to travel to Den Bosch in September to add some more money.
The teenager is well known for not enjoying floor events, but it looked like he meant business as he swept through to the last eight.
He beat Archie Self 6-2, Arno Merk 6-3 and then William O’Connor 6-3 to set up a quarter-final with Chris Dobey, who he thrashed 6-0.
However, Wattimena proved too big an obstacle, coming up with a clutch deciding-leg finish.
He made it a meaningful victory by winning the event, beating Kevin Doets 8-6 in the final.
