English Snooker Finals 2009

This seasons EASB finale is again spread over the May Bank Holiday and features a number of established International players some exciting youngsters and former English Finalists.

On Saturday Stuart Carrington, Grimsby in his 4th English Final takes on Liam Highfield, Stoke runner up Under 14’s 2003 in the Under 19 final over the best of 17 frames, two sessions.

Both players are seasoned junior internationals, Carrington has won a Pro Ticket Tour this season and finished 2nd in the PTT Rankings and 15th on PIOS.

Highfield won Event 1 of the Premier Junior Tour and made his first 147 during the tournament last September.

The Under 14’s final features two relative newcomers Oliver Lines, Leeds and Darryl Hill, Isle of Man who defeated the two favourites in the semi finals, Adam Bobat runner up last year and Shane Castle.

In the Seniors final we welcome back to the national seen the 1987 English Amateur Champion Mark Rowing from nearby Doncaster and Colin Norton, Waterlooville who knocked out last years winner Nick Pearce in the last four.

The Team event sees Manchester, Craig Steadman, Michael Wild and Chris Norbury all internationals two with Main Tour experience Steadman has gained a place in the top flight for next season from the PIOS.

Tackle West Midlanders, Daniel Ward former IBSF World Finalist, Lee Payne and Rob James who made the highest break in the event so far a 121.   

Alex Dunkley, Southampton plays veteran Mike Faulkner, Birmingham in the Club Players Championship.

On Sunday the English Amateur brings the finals to a climax over two sessions, David Craggs, Tow Law Town a member of World Team winners Durham City plays Pro Ticket Rankings Champion Jimmy Robertson, Bexhill on Sea who regains a Main Tour place.   

And finally Sam Craigie, Newcastle faces Tom Maxfield, Telford in the Under 16 final the pair have clashed twice previously in a national final the score stands at one a piece both are Junior Internationals.

The PTT play offs for England’s final Main Tour place take place next weekend, Northern SC, Leeds, EASB’s main sponsors and the following week the Regional Junior Tour play off for places on the Premier Junior will be held.

Congratulations to Joe Jogia, Ben Woollaston. Leicester, Lee Page, Kidderminster, Stephen Rowlings, Preston and Craig Steadman, Bolton qualifying for the Main Tour from the Pontins International Open Series, Jogia topped the rankings.

Malcolm Thorne
EASB Media Officer