Rod Lawler made the most of his first qualification for the German Masters, arriving early with wife and childhood sweetheart Jo to see the many iconic sights and landmarks on offer in Berlin, including the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. And it just got better for the 42-year-old Liverpudlian even before he had hit a ball. Former Anfield season ticket holder Lawler, along with fellow Liverpool fan and World Snooker press chief Ivan Hirschowitz, settled down in the nearest bar showing the football on the Tuesday night to watch his beloved Reds against Everton and revelled in the demolition Merseyside derby as Brendan Rodgers’ team won 4-0.