JAMIE Cope had plenty to smile about yesterday as he guaranteed his qualification for next month's Sanyuan Foods China Open.

But while there was success for Cope there was only disappointment for Trent Vale cueman Dave Harold as he crashed to a disappointing 5-1 defeat to Northamptonshire professional Rory McLeod.

Longton's Cope fought back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to overcome gritty Glaswegian Jamie Burnett in the final round of qualifying.

And with his spirited victory at the World Snooker Centre in Prestatyn, former China Open finalist Cope now faces two-time world champion Mark Williams in Beijing (March 29-April 4).

Cope said: "I made life hard for myself, but I was pleased with the way I came back.

"I was disappointed I didn't play very well in the Welsh Open last month, I felt good going into my match with Ronnie O'Sullivan, but it didn't happen for me.

"But I played pretty well today, I found some form after the interval and felt good."

Burnett won the opening frame on the final black before runs of 40 and 36 doubled his advantage.

Cope won a scrappy third frame, but Burnett restored his advantage on the final black to lead 3-1 at the interval.

But world number 18 Cope pocketed breaks of 54, 119 and 63 to book his Beijing spot.

"I'm looking forward to playing Mark (Williams), he's a great player," added Cope.

Earlier, Harold levelled the match at 1-1 with a break of 63, but McLeod took control of the match with breaks of 76, 66, 110 and 75.