JOHNNY Haines described his performance at the first two UK Open qualifying events as the best of his career to date.

Haines picked up £1,600 in prize money at the events in Crawley after making the latter stages on both Saturday and Sunday, which has put him in a good position to reach the finals in Bolton in June through the UK Open Order of Merit.

Haines’ storming runs were only ended in tight matches against top 20 players Simon Whitlock (6-4) and Vincent van der Voort (6-5) in the fourth round and quarter finals respectively, leaving the High Street club thrower pleased with his weekend’s work.

“I am over the moon with how I played and it was a great feeling,” Haines told the Advertiser.

“I think that is probably the best I have played in my career and I think it is the most money I have earned too.”

It was a different story for Dennis Smith, who lost out to three time world champion John Part on the first day, before losing 6-3 to Shaun Griffiths on day two.

“I will not lose too much sleep over it,” Smith said. “It is the first qualifier and there are six more left so there is time to make up the difference.

“A lot depends the draw and next time it might be kinder.”

Rising star Chris Aubrey also took part in the event but saw his challenge ended by Matt Jackson and Brendan Dolan on both days, while Richard North played the Saturday but was knocked out in round one by Mick Todd.