REDCAR'S Mike Dunn is just two games away from an appearance at snooker's world championships in Sheffield after securing a comfortable win over 16-year-old Judd Trump in yesterday's second qualifying round at Prestatyn.

Dunn, 34, who recently turned to a psychologist in an attempt to improve his potting, was in trouble as Trump, currently experiencing his first season on the professional circuit, raced into a 4-0 lead.

But the world number 53 rattled in a superb break of 117 as he levelled the scores at the end of the first session, before subsequent breaks of 63 and 67 helped him to a 10-7 victory.

Dunn now faces Rory McLeod, nine places above him in the current rankings, in the third qualifying round.

Wallsend's Gary Wilson, 21, the world U-21 champion in 2004, crashed out, beaten 10-8 by James Tatton last night.

World amateur champion Mark Allen, meanwhile, took another step towards securing a place in the final stages by recording a 10-3 victory over Justin Astley.

Allen, the 19-year-old from County Antrim, moved to within two rounds of the televised phase after a high-quality display which included two century breaks.

Allen is widely regarded as Northern Ireland's best prospect since the era of Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor, who both captured the world title at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.

He hit form immediately, winning the opening frame with a break of 93 and taking a 3-1 lead helped by a further run of 87. Allen pulled away to lead 7-2 at the end of the first session, before swiftly wrapping up victory.