PAUL Wykes is celebrating after guaranteeing his place on snooker's main tour for next season, writes Dave Hendon.

Wykes defeated Wolverhampton's Darryn Walker 5-2 to reach the second qualifying round of the Players Championship at the Pontin's holiday centre in Prestatyn.

The victory ensures his place on the circuit for another year as Wykes is now certain to end the current campaign as part of the leading 16 players based on this season's points.

This group, plus the top 64 in the world rankings and the top 16 from the secondary Challenge Tour, will make up the 96-man field for next season.

"If I had been relegated I would have been feeling pretty down in the summer because snooker has been such a big part of my life for so many years," Wykes said.

"I would really miss the game if I dropped off the tour. I was virtually certain to stay on before this match but by winning I've confirmed my place and I can relax a bit."

Wykes made a break of 81 to win the second frame and lead 2-0 before Walker closed to trail only 3-2 with runs of 40 and 58.

Efforts of 20 and 32 restored Wykes' two frame advantage