2019-20 SEASON

KENT BILLIARDS - 17.11.19

Victoria Snooker Centre, Tunbridge Wells

Winner: Neil Jefferis
Runner-up: Andy Phillips

We had 9 entries in the Billiards at Victoria Snooker club this year. We had 9 last year too but this time we changed the format to give everyone more games. Instead of having 3 groups of 3 we split into groups of 4 players and 5. To make sure everyone played the same amount of games the group of 4 had to play their first opponent twice and we also decided that a fairer way to qualify for the semi-finals was to do it on total points scored rather than games won.

Each game was played over 45 minutes and in Group 1 the top 3 points scorers were Neil Jefferis with 717, Roger Knowles on 519 and Leo Hare on 451. Group 2 had Andy Phillips top with 698, followed by Andy Soper on 626 and Tony West on 472.

In the first semi-final Neil beat Andy Soper 187 to 88. Andy Phillips made a 57 break and beat Roger Knowles 208 to 62 in the other semi-final.

Neil started fast in the final building a quick 40 point lead but Andy hit back with a 48 break to move in front. It stayed close for a while but Neil managed to move ahead with a series of 20+ breaks and finished up winning 146 to 110.

The feedback from the players was positive for the format and a good day was had by all.

KENT SNOOKER UNDER 21s - 13.10.19

Victoria Snooker Centre, Tunbridge Wells

Winner: Dylan Smith
Runner-up: Brandon Nguyen

The final of the Under 21s was contested between our reigning Kent Under 16s Champion Dylan Smith (11) and Brandon Nguyen (14) over the best of nine frames.

A quick internet search on Dylan will show you that you’re watching someone special.  After taking the first two frames in convincing style (72-29 and 56-15) Dylan did not look back.

Brandon showed all of his fighting qualities in the third but Dylan forged ahead 37-32. Sensing victory, Dylan dominated the fourth (72-13) to lead 4-0.  Dylan needed just one more frame to become the first ever player to hold both the Kent U16s and U21s titles at the same time.

Brandon came back with strength and determination in the fifth, which went to the final black.  Dylan however wanted the whitewash and showed no mercy in completing an emphatic victory.

Congratulations Dylan on becoming what we believe is our youngest ever U21s champion.  It’s clear a bright future awaits and we look forward to seeing more of the same both in Kent and on the national stage.

KENT SNOOKER VETERANS - 13.10.19

Victoria Snooker Centre, Tunbridge Wells

Winner: Raj Puri
Runner-up: Ed Bradstreet

 We had a fantastic 21 entries for the Veteran’s championship, competing in a straight knockout.  All matches were decided over the best-of-three frames, with a total prize pot of £210 (Winner £120, Runner Up £60, Losing Semi-finalists £15).

Five preliminary matches (all resulting in a 2-1 score line!) reduced the field to 16, including Malcom Smith’s match (finalist for the past two years) who fell to newcomer Ed Bradstreet.  New to the event, maybe, but no neophyte to snooker! Ed continued his winning ways in the top half of the draw brushing past Kevin Dixon (2-0), Trevor Gibb (2-1) and Mark Britton (2-0) to reach the final on his first attempt.

In the bottom half, defending champion Clive Underhill’s preliminary match was a close contest with Ray Martin.  Clive prevailed 2-1 and then pressed forward with a 2-0 win over Ivan Stevenage before eventually bowing out to Raj Puri 1-2 at the quarterfinal stage.  Stephen Hills dropped just one frame to reach the semi-final but Raj proved too strong.  Another experienced campaigner playing in the event for the first time, Raj secured his place in the final, 2-0.

Two debutants reached the final guaranteeing a new name on the trophy.  A tactical first frame with some inspired safety saw Raj take the lead 58-47.  Ed kept his cool in the second, levelling the match 49-37.  The decider proved unequivocal.  Raj stepped up through the gears at exactly the right time and took the title convincingly 70-19.

Congratulations to all who took part.  A strong field made for an exciting and entertaining day.  Will Raj successfully defend his title next year?  You will have to play well if you are going to stop him!