Grand prix event 2 report
The second event of the season got underway at Potters bar, Cardiff, last weekend, and as usual there were plenty of surprise results. So we start with selected results from the early rounds
The first shock of the day was tour number 8 seed Jon Bushnell losing to tour 1 winner Jordan Shepherd 7 - 1. Josh Craze was next to fall as he lost 7 – 5 to Phil Hoskins. Antony Doble looked in good shape as he beat Oly Bale 7 – 4. Paul Hawkins then lost to Russell Burgess 7 – 5 in long tight battle.
At the last 16 stage number 1 ranked player Ben Davies lost 7 – 6 to Rob Chilton who is the current number 1 ranked player on the IPA PRO tour. Scott Jones lost 7 – 0 to Craig Marsh in quick fire time. Ryan John was playing well and took out the in form Nicky Griffiths 7 – 4. Tom Cousins put pay to Phil Hoskins run as he won 7 – 5. The only other shock was the defeat of tour 1 winner Jordan Shepherd as he lost 7 – 5 to Antony Doble.
Quarter / Finals
The first match was between Rob Chilton and Craig Marsh. This match was always going to be quick and very tough to call. It was Craig however who made a few mistakes and Rob won the match 7 – 5. The second match was too close to call as International team mates Tom Cousins and Ryan John fought out a great match. It was no surprise to see the match level at 6 – 6 with both players taking their chances. It was Ryan who made a mistake first and left the door open for Tom to clear and win the match 7 – 6. The third match saw Wayne Smith take on Antony Doble. The match was full of mistakes by both players but it was Antony who finished the stronger for a 7 – 5 victory. The last match of the round saw Russell Burgess take on good friend Gareth Manning. Again it was a very difficult match to call as both players know each other inside out. It was Russell who took control in the last frame and won a hard fought match 7 – 6.
Craig Marsh 5 – 7 Rob Chilton
Tom Cousins 7 – 6 Ryan John
Wayne Smith 5 – 7 Antony Doble
Gareth Manning 6 – 7 Russell Burgess
Semi / Finals
The first semi final looked to be a classic as Tom Cousins took on Rob Chilton. After a slow start both players took advantage of a few mistakes and it was Rob who led 5 – 3. Tom looked out of sorts and starting to make too many mistakes and it was Rob who took full advantage for an 8 – 4 victory.
The second semi final saw good friends Russell Burgess and Antony Doble do battle. The game was never a classic as both players enjoyed a few tactical frames to see the score at 4 – 4. It was Antony however who took the chances that came his way and he quickly won the match 8 – 4 and his first Welsh Grand Prix final along with Rob Chilton.
Rob Chilton 8 – 4 Tom Cousins
Russell Burgess 4 – 8 Antony Doble
Final
So we had two new players in the final with Rob Chilton looking to add to his array of titles against the ever improving Antony Doble who by his standards was the under dog in this match. Rob Got out of the blocks very quickly and looked good value as he quickly opened up a 4 – 1 lead with some great pool being played. However Antony dug deep and started to claw some frames back as Rob started to make some mistakes. The scores were now level at 4 – 4. Antony had a new belief and started to play some positive pool with great finishing to take him to a 6 – 4 lead. Rob broke and cleared in the next but it was Antony who finished the stronger with a great clearance in the last frame for a 8 – 5 victory and his first Welsh Grand Prix title.
Rob Chilton 5 – 8 Antony Doble
The next tour is on Saturday 25th July in potters bar Cardiff. If you want to enter this ever popular event please give me a call or drop me an e-mail on Tel: 07854 918403 E-mail – waynerhino@aol.com
Look forward to seeing you all at tour three in July.