By Fin Ruane
The sixth event in this season’s CrossGuns Junior Snooker Series, sponsored by SnookerHQ and The Billiard Co., took place at CrossGuns earlier in February.
Once again a good entry saw Paul Smith from the Roadstone SC win the Under-14 tournament and Andrei Blondu from Terry Rodgers SC claim the Under-19 event.
Among the entries was Grace Park, who in entering the event became the first lady player to compete in this season’s series.
Grace unfortunately ran into an in-form Paul Smith but having watched Grace play I’ve no doubt she is a very talented player who will be a very welcome addition, not only to ladies snooker in Ireland but also to the junior snooker scene.
Smith defeated The Billiard Co. ranking list leader John Joyce in the final but with only three events left Joyce remains on course to top the standings.
In the Under-19 event, it was Andrei Blondu who once again prevailed and, apart from dropping frames against Joyce in the first round and Aaron Smith in the final, Blondu was never really in much trouble.
By winning Event 6, Blondu has almost certainly won the inaugural CrossGuns Junior Player of the Year and in this form it’s really hard to see him struggling in the final three events.
Alongside Park, ten year-old Aaron Smith from Navan once again enjoyed a good run, albeit in the Under-19 competition as he impressively reached the final.
Blondu still leads the way for the SnookerHQ high break award with his 83 break from event 1.
Once again I would like to thank all the players, their friends and parents for supporting the event and I look forward to seeing you all again at Event 7 on Saturday, March 12th.
Finally, I would like to announce plans to award an additional prize to one player from the series on the final day of the campaign.
A scholarship, worth paid entry into all CrossGuns and RIBSA junior events for the 2016/17 season as well as coaching from myself, will be given to one lucky potter.
This won’t necessarily be given to the best player from the series, rather someone who I believe could benefit from some extra guidance and coaching.
So plenty to still play for between now and May!
Click here to view the rankings after Event 6
Dates: (Entry: €10 for each event)
Event 1 Saturday Sept 5th
Event 2 Saturday Oct 3rd
Event 3 Saturday Nov 14th
Event 4 Sunday Dec 6th
Event 5 Saturday Jan 9th
Event 6 Saturday Feb 6th
Event 7 Saturday Mar 12th
Event 8 Saturday Apr 2nd
Event 9 Saturday May 14th
To Register Or For Further Details Please Contact CrossGuns At:
Email : info@crossgunssnookerclub.com
Phone : 0868196760
