SOCCER AM legend Andy Goldstein was handed an 8-0 win in the UK Open Pool Championship after his opponent failed to show up.
Goldstein, who now works for talkSPORT, is one of a 256-player field who entered the tournament for a chance at winning the £200,000 prize fund.
The presenter, 51, was due to face James Aranas in his second game on the opening day.
Aranas won the World Cup of in 2023 as part of the Philippines triumphant side.
He partnered with Johanna Chua to become the first team to win the tournament despite entering as an unseeded competitor as they beat 11-7 in the final.
However, today the 33-year-old failed to show for the clash in Telford.
Consequently, Goldstein was handed a bye into the second round, recorded as an 8-0 win.
After the game was officially declared in his favour, Goldstein wandered around the room celebrating his victory.
He was able to show the crowd some of his skills by playing on the table after the result was declared.
Earlier in the day he had been thrashed 9-1 by Ramazan Akdag.
Goldstein will return to play his next match at 10am tomorrow.
The first 256 players will be whittled down to a last-16 by May 9.
May 11 will see the final match take place.
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