Trophyman Billiards
Individual billiards tournament played at Cue T's Snooker Lounge, 11.00am Sunday 4th October.
TONY ALDRIDGE is the new Trophyman Billiards Revival Champion.
In the final game of a long day on the green baize, fatigue was more the deciding factor, rather than brilliant play. Aldridge, with the help of a few three-cushion canons, eked his way to a score of 173 when the final buzzer of the day was sounded. His opponent, Mike Kunzi, of Parkstone, Dorset, unable to produce his form of the semi-final, had reached a mere 119.
The days’ play started at 11.00am, with eight players taking part on a schedule of three games each lasting 50 minutes against the clock. Players achieving 3 wins would be placed in Group A, players with 2 wins in Group B, and so on. The top player in each group would then go through to the semi’s.
Drew Farminer got away to a flyer, scoring 288 in the allotted time, leaving Chris Pullen on 69. Adam Nash potted with consistency to trounce Aldridge 246 – 121, while Steve Allen won by a similar margin against Kunzi.
Farminer forged further ahead with 235 in his second game, but Nash seemed to stall, reaching a score of 186 to win by 18, as the players broke for their Sunday Roast.
After the interval Aldridge stepped up a gear, making 203 against Mike Thatcher, which in turn placed him in Group C. Thatcher, in contrast could make Group B, with a good result against Chris Pullen.
Steve Allen was set a tall order, and needed to score over 320 to have a chance of leading Group A. It was not to be, as Nash reached an aggregate of 715, Farminer going 31 points better and Allen registering a score some 70 points adrift.
So Farminer was through to the Semi’s from Group A, Thatcher, with two wins took Group B and Aldridge, the only player with two losses qualifying from Group C.
All eyes then turned to Group D for players who had played and lost all three games, and it was the Parkstone player who emerged the best, leading Les Chapman and Chris Pullen by 130 and 137 respectively.
The tournament then switched uniquely to a handicap, which was adjudged on the player’s performances in their first round games.
Farminer had averaged 248 while the Thatcher made 148, Aldridge 148 and Kunzi 151.
Drew Farminer was drawn against the eventual winner while Mike Thatcher played Kunzi. The latter got into his stride early and with some good in-off play, scored a sound 61 break (the best of the day), and ran out a winner at 240 – 121.
Conceding 80 points, Farminer was making good progress but when getting to within 16 points a missed pot let Aldridge back in. A crucial 33 break made the difference jump to 49 clear with four minutes remaining to the buzzer, and Aldridge ran out a 214 – 171 winner.
Scores for the day: -
Group A Drew Farminer 288 (35 break,34,33), 235 (43), 223 (35). Adam Nash 246(39,44,32), 186, 283. Steve Allen 240(34,32), 180, 256 (39,30).
Group B Mike Thatcher 157, 133, 156.
Group C Tony Aldridge 121, 121, 203 (33)
Group D Mike Kunzi 115 (31), 168, 170. Les Chapman 141, 91, 91. Chris Pullen 69, 141, 106.
Semi’s Tony Aldridge 214 (33) bt Drew Farminer 171
Mike Kunzi 240 (61) bt Mike Thatcher 121
Final Tony Aldridge 173 bt Mike Kunzi 119.
Trophies presented by Trophyman of Sholing Southampton.
© October 2009 by Antony Aldridge (All rights reserved)