Mike Finn
MIKE FINN
MIKE FINN blasted aside the opposition to pocket £400 at the Midsummer Classic in Bournemouth.
The former England international earned next season’s Pro-Ticket Tour entry fees with a 4-2 final victory over Swindon’s Neil Craycraft at the Green Baize Snooker Club.
“It’s a chunk of money for knocking a few balls around,” said the 21-year-old from Eastleigh. “If only they had a tournament like that every week!”
‘The Mighty Finn’, who also picked up £420 at the Christmas tournament, took the first frame with a 70 and clinched victory with a 47 clearance.
In the last-16, Finn needed a 27 clearance to see off Paul Davis (Poole) 3-2 on the black. He beat Zach Robinson (Brighton) by the same score in the quarter-final and eased past Nick Jennings (Otterbourne) 3-0 in the semis.
“I didn’t play as well as I can, but I got the job done,” he said. “I should’ve lost a couple of games but they missed easy balls.”
Finn, who works full-time for restoration firm Rainbow International, has opted to tackle the EASB Pro-Ticket Tour, which is played at weekends, instead of the mid-week Pontin’s International Open Series in an attempt to become a professional.
The six-event series, which kicks off in October in Leeds, carries an automatic pro-ticket for the winner.
Finn is realistic about his chances of finishing top and but is aiming to qualify through a one-off knockout for the next 32 highest finishers.
“I’ll be disappointed if I don’t get in the top 32. In knockout snooker you can beat anyone and lose to anyone. I’m looking forward to it.
“It’ll be my own money. It’ll hurt a bit more if you lose in the first round paying for it yourself.
“I can beat anyone, I’ve proved that. I’m not scared of anyone. When I play well I hit the ball as well as anyone. I’m not intimidated by anything.”
Finn will be joined on the tour by Chandler’s Ford team-mate Mark McLean (North Baddesley).
Alex Dunkley (Bursledon) lost 3-2 on a re-spotted black to Jennings, 16, but knocked in a 50 to beat Ollie Tydeman (Chandler’s Ford) 2-0 in the Plate final and collect £20.
A run of 74 earned Jennings the £20 high-break prize.
Eleven-year-old Jordan Winbourne (Botley) took a 2-0 lead in the first round against Steve Williams (Bournemouth) – but lost 3-2.
Nine-year-old Shane Castle took a frame off century-breaker Peter Hendes (Poole) and lost 2-1 on a fluked pink to Scott McGaw (Calmore) in the Plate.