English Billiards Open brings out the best of big breakers

English Billiards Open brings out the best of big breakers

Although scoring was a little slow at times in comparison to what had been achieved in many of the previous matches, Chapman, the EBOS chairman, took the table close to finishing time in the 90-minute final with his second century of the match to win his first series event.

Chapman won by 565 points to 399 to defeat current series No 1 and former world champion Chris Shutt.

The new champion said: ‘I’m delighted to have won.

My form has been good this weekend – especially in the final.

‘Chris is a very talented cueist and to beat him I had to play steadily.

I managed to do that.

It was tough at times but I managed to dig in.

‘Chris has set a high standard this weekend with some of his big breaks, and I hope everyone who saw him play enjoyed his performances.

In fact, all the players and officials have had a brilliant weekend.

We’ll be back again at the same time next year because EBOS and the Jersey Billiards and Snooker Association have agreed that Jersey will now host event five annually.

The JBSA only had a month to organise this weekend’s event and they’ve done a remarkable job.

Hopefully we will return bigger and better next time and increase numbers to between 30 and 40.’ Guy Heys, one of two Jersey players to reach the last 16, said: ‘It was absolutely brilliant.

These guys really are class players and they’ve taught all the Jersey players a lot.

‘We’ve had an invite for a couple of our players to attend the next tournament in Ireland in two weeks’ time, and I believe I’m the only one available to go.

I’m looking forward to it.’ Despite not winning, the undoubted star of the weekend was Shutt, who ran in more than 30 breaks in excess of 50, including runs of 216, 267, 317, 324 and a magnificent 543 – an awesome effort displaying excellent control of the balls littered with some deft touches.

JBSA president Richard de la Haye said: ‘The tournament has been fantastic and we look forward to having everyone back again next year.

It was a huge success and I thank everyone who has contributed towards that.’ Jersey’s Martyn Le Gallais and 16-year-old Darren Malzard both won a group match, but Chris Alexander and Joe Stewart were unsuccessful.

The final was officiated by Jersey officials, with Phil Smith as referee and Malzard as scorer.

Education, Sport and Culture, Jersey Tourism and a host of other sponsors supported the event.

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