Team Ireland performed brilliantly through out the first ever staging of the world snooker disability championships in Bangkok. Thailand last week. SBI had a team of 6 players players Alex Henerbrey, Fran Coyle, Niall Pollitt, Aiden Pollitt, Colvin O’Brien and Dylan Rees. The team was managed and SBI coach Shane Gorman.
This historic first staging of a World Championship comes 10 years on from the foundation of World Disability Billiards & Snooker (WDBS) which took place in Srisaman, Nonthaburi in Thailand from 25 January to 2nd February.
Dylan Rees won the World Title beating team mate Colvin O Brien in the final. Colvin won the high break prize award and Aiden and Niall Pollitt won Bronze medals to top off a fantastic week for Team Ireland.
Dublin’s Fran Coyle competing in only his second WDBS event and his first outside of Ireland battled hard throughout the event in a tough group. Fran had a notable performance in his final group game against eventual winner and world champion Krystof de Brynn not only winning a frame but pushing him in all the frames.
Dungarvans Alex Henerbrey again acquitted himself well in yet another tough group. Alex who is just playing for just over a year on the WDBS tour showed great improvement battling throughout and making life difficult for his opponents. His performance in the challenge cup against visually impaired group7 player Baber Rajaa who has a high break of 147 was absolutely inspired. Beating him on the pink.
Aiden and Niall Pollitt played brilliantly all week picking up wins that got them through to the knockout stages. These two gentlemen of our game are improving event by event and and will continue to be successful on the WDBS tour. Well loved and respected by all, their battle against each other in the group stages will live long in the memory coming down to a black ball finish at 2-2 with all the Irish team and supporters looking on Aiden took the victory in a tense and brilliant game. The hug between the two brothers and round of applause from the onlookers showed everyone why we all play this great game. Both took home well deserved bronze medals.
The ever present and mercurial Colvin O’Brien proved to be the form player not only in the Irish camp but throughout the tournament. Dominant in his group stages against all. Scoring heavily and with dazzling style. He came away with the high break of 80. Colvin the life and sole of the Irish party kept everyone laughing off the table while he did the business on it. His incredible potting from anywhere on the table proved to be a different level which endeared himself to the watching crowd. Colvin will win many of these in the future for Ireland. Colvin took the silver medal for Ireland.
The first ever WDBS world title goes to Dylan Rees from Dungarvan, Waterford. Dylan played well all week with measured and focussed on the job, losing only once on his way to the title.
In the final he beat compatriot Colvin O’Brien 3-0 in steady and controlled way giving nothing in the first 2 frames. As the tension mounted in the third frame and 9 down with just pink and black on the table. Rees threw caution to the wind potting a signature long, tough pink looking for position on a black just a few inches off the middle rail, with the rest in hand potted a difficult black to claim the title.
Special mentions to Shane Gorman “team manager” working tirelessly throughout the event managing, coaching players every day. At the venue observing and taking photos early in the morning too last thing in the evening. Not an easy task but always with a smile and a chat. Shane proved to be a cornerstone of the total Thailand experience.
Support from dad Gary Pollitt, mam Mary Henerbrey and number one team Ireland fan Karen Evans was unmistakable, and was much appreciated all week moving between matches all day supporting everyone. Unmatched by any other country.
All at the WDBS we’re very appreciative and proud of team Ireland and what they brought to the event!
Great work from PJ Nolan leading up to the event coaching and supporting players along with amazing work keeping everyone back home informed daily results and photos. The coverage was some of the best seen.
SBI and Sport Ireland deserve great credit for all the formal support. No stone was unturned by Tommy O’Donoghue Chairman of SBI to get this great team out to Bangkok.
Thanks to all the well-wishers and supporters from afar.
