I’m delighted to welcome the newest columnist to SnookerHQ, young Irish star Josh Boileau. He’ll be giving us a regular insight into his life both on and off the tour over the course of the season.
By Josh Boileau
Hi everyone!
I won my first qualifying match against Joe O’Connor in the first European Tour event in Latvia in August. It was a pretty close match but he missed the final black to go 3-2 up which turned in my favour and I had a 90 break in the next to finish it 4-2. In my second match I beat Kristof Vermeiren of Belgium 4-1. It was a pretty scrappy match but I was happy to come through it to qualify for the pro rounds.
I played Aditya Mehta next and I lost out 4-0. We both played pretty poor and to be honest it could have been 4-0 to me with most frames going to the colours. I was pretty disappointed but I enjoyed the tournament as these are great for amateurs to gain experience with the big players.
Next up was Furth for the Paul Hunter Classic. I had been told this was the best of the European Tour events and I understand why now. The crowds were incredible over there and it gave a great buzz about the place. In my first match I played Brian Cini of Malta. I lost the opening frame but then I won the next four pretty convincingly and I played pretty well overall.
In my second match I played Wendy Jans of Belgium and came through that one 4-0 with a couple of 60 breaks and really felt I was starting to play well. I knew if I won my next match I would play Shaun Murphy in the pro rounds but it didn’t go exactly to plan.
I was faced Luke Garland of England and I went 2-0 up with 70 and 80 breaks before it then went 2-1. I was clearing up to go 3-1 but under hit the green to brown and had to play safe. He won the frame eventually and had two good 80 breaks to win 4-2. It would have been great to get through but I’m learning all the time and, with my new cue that Abban Reddy of A&R Cues has given me, I’m as confident as ever because before this I was struggling to find myself a proper cue.
At the minute I’m taking a week or two off as an old shoulder injury has flared up again and I’m getting Physio so I just can’t play right now. It’s really been bothering me and it’s about time I got it sorted out as I need my shoulder to play snooker, haha!
Next up for me is the Euro Tour event in Bulgaria in October and maybe a few Irish events before that but the calendar isn’t out yet so I’m not quite sure! Once I’ve got my shoulder back in working order I’ll be back to the gym and preparing for the next events coming up, and I can’t wait to be honest as I can’t stand not exercising! My targets this year are to win a few Irish senior tournaments and to get on the tour through the PTCs or the international events.
I know I’m capable and I think it’s time I showed it!
All the best.
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Follow Josh on Twitter: @Boileau147