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2019 Rileys Solihull Series
Rileys American Pool and Snooker
Hobs Moat Road
Solihull
West Midlands
B92 8JN
www.rileys.co.uk - facebook

Saturday 9 March 2019

Winner: Elliott Sanderson with Quarterfinalist: Alan Coton.
Sanderson reigns supreme at Event 2

Report by: Matt Hawthorn
Second City 9 Ball

Saturday 9th March 2019 saw Rileys Sports Bar, Solihull, host the second event of the Solihull 9 Ball Series. 45 players were in attendance all with an eye on gaining series ranking points, and the small matter of the £440 first prize. This promised to be a fiercely contested tournament, and it certainly delivered. The format for the day would be Double Elimination to the last 16, Single Elim from the last 16 onwards, races to 7 on both sides of the draw (including the final).

The draw was made on the evening of Wednesday 6th March and threw together together some interesting matchups. Zoltan Kojsza and Paul Taylor, both making their series debuts, faced off in the 1st round with Kojsza advancing comfortably 7-3. Darren Saxby continued his unfortunate Solihull tradition of drawing Elliott Sanderson and, despite a valiant effort, was sent left by his young opponent. Kurt Weaver came from behind to beat Andy Carter 7-5, and more victories followed to ensure Weaver would make the last 16. Terry Challenger also emerged unscathed from the double elimination phase, conceding just 5 racks in his opening 3 matches. Mark Eardley failed to register a win at event 1 but made amends this time with consecutive 7-5 wins against Matt Hawthorn and Ryan O'Neil. O'Neil kept his challenge alive by edging out the voice of the GB9 Chris Patient (7-4).

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Last 16

Mark Eardley's "reward" for surviving the double elimination stage was a last 16 match against Stewart Colclough. The Black Country potter found Colclough too hot to handle, going down 7-2. Event 1 winner Benji Buckley was stunned by Dave Hopkin (7-6), while Elliott Sanderson defeated Julian Roper (7-4). Daryl Garland was sent packing by Dave Evans, Zoltan Kojsza saw off Ryan O'Neil, Alan Coton ended Kurt Weaver's day, Terry Challenger eliminated Luke Hart while Mark Stephenson beat a rejuvenated Craig Hirst (all 7-5).

Quarter-Finals

Dave Hopkin saw his impressive run ended by the ever-dangerous Stewart Colclough (7-6). Zoltan Kojsza got the better of Dave Evans (7-4) while Elliott Sanderson benefitted from a crucial scratch by Alan Coton to advance to his second consecutive series semi final (7-6). Terry Challenger completed the final four with an emphatic 7-4 win over Mark Stephenson. The losing Quarter-Finalists each collected £55 for their efforts.

Semi-Finals

Stewart Colclough avenged his earlier defeat at the hands of Kojsza with a 7-5 win to cement his place in the final. There he would be up against Elliott Sanderson, who handed Terry Challenger his only defeat of the day, also by a score of 7-5. Kojsza and Challenger both received £110 for reaching the semi-final stage.

Final

In a rematch of their quarter final clash from event 1, Stewart Colclough and Elliott Sanderson would contest the Solihull 9 Ball Series Event 2 final. Like so many of the day's matches this one went down to a last rack decider, Sanderson potting the day's final 9 ball to claim the £440 top prize. Stewart Colclough received £220 for finishing as runner up.

Well done to Elliott Sanderson on his win, defeating some fantastic opponents along the way. He was quick to admit that he didn't deserve to beat Al Coton in their quarter final match, fine margins making the difference between perfect position and the in-off that would ultimately end Alan's tournament, but to come top of a field stacked with so much talent speaks volumes about Elliott's performance on the day.

Straight Pool High Run

With the field reduced to 16 players the tournament desk reopened the straight pool high run competition. Chris Patient's score of 25 was the target to beat from event 1. There was £100 already in the prize fund. Players were charged £2 per attempt, £5 for 3 attempts or £10 for 7 attempts.

Zoltan Kojsza was first up. 3 complete racks later and he's on a score of 42. Unfortunately for Zoltan, a miss ends the run but the new high score raises eyebrows around the room. Dave Hopkin steps up, and scores 27. Chris Patient has several more attempts and despite scoring 30 and multiple +20s he can't match Zoltan. Benji Buckley, Ryan O'Neil and Julian Roper also try but to no avail.

So Zoltan Kojsza holds the new high score with 42. The straight pool high run will continue to run at events 3 & 4, after the 9 ball tournament reaches the last 16 stage. All entry fees will be paid to the player with the highest run by the end of play at event 4. If you wish to take part please speak to the tournament desk at future events. The current prize pot stands at £132.

We'd like to thank our host room Rileys Sports Bar, Solihull, for their continued support of our series, Shane Conroy for supplying the SharkRack racking templates for our events and to you players for spending your hard earned money, turning up and taking part. Finally, a big thanks to Daryl Garland, Andy Carter and Matt Hawthorn for their work behind the scenes and throughout the day to ensure these competitions run as smoothly as possible.

Event 3 of the series is on 20 April 2019 - we hope to see you then.

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