Last Sunday the first challenge tour event was held in the Crucible club in Cork. A decent entry of 18 players, some of these new faces which was great to see. The first real shock was the defeat of 4th seed, Robbie Donavan by his Fermoy club mate Liam Hayes by a score line of 3 frames to 2.
Newcomers Jamie Quilligan and Tony o Brien from the Crucible had a close match with Jamie winning 3-0 but every frame went to the punk or black. A bit ironic as they always practice together with Tony having the upper hand lately but not on this occasion. The No.1 and 2 seeds Richie flynn and Tommy o Donoghue had straight forward wins to advance.
The match of the Quarter finals was definitely between the eventual winner Darren Flynn and Liam Hayes from Fermoy. This match ebbed and flowed with Darren clearing from blue to black in the deciding frame to seal victory. The 2nd seed Tommy Donoghue lost out in the quarters to Dave Garrett 3 frames to 1 while the No 1 seed fell at the semi-final stage to Darren Flynn by the same score line.
Meanwhile the 3rd seed Llyod myers was making steady progress to the semi-final stage.
Semi-finals.
- Llyod myers 3-1 Dave Garrett
- Darren Flynn 3-1 Richie Flynn
Final
- Darren Flynn 3-1 Llyod Myers
High break
- Richie Flynn and Dave Garrett 46.
Despite the final score line being 3-1 it was a very close affair with 3 frames being decided on the black.
Congratulations to Darren on a fine win, commiserations to Llyod but everybody was delighted how it went and I can see these tournaments going from strength to strength.
Last but not least my thanks to Brian Walsh and Cynthia Hussey for all their help throughout the day.
David Joyce
Tournament director.
