Irish champion TJ Dowling claimed the outright lead in Group D with the highest break so far of the World under-21 snooker championships which continued in Carlow yesterday.

Up against Liverpool's Jason Barton, runner-up in the English national championships, Dowling was on for a 138 clearance in frame two but a miss on the blue meant the teenager had to settle for a 120 break.

Also in control was James Linehan, who made breaks of 27, 37 and 42 en route to a 4-0 victory over Mohamed Abdin to remain unbeaten in Group D.