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26/12/03: Boxing Day Event, Falkirk

  4 Aberdeen 9-ball players travelled to Falkirk on Boxing Day to chance their arm-Gary Duncan, David Young and Scott Baxter all finished runner up in their first phase groups to advance to play-offs for the second phase of groups. Duncan easily won, but Baxter and Young drew each other, with Young prevailing in the final rack. The 2 remaining Aberdonians were then paired together in a group along with none other than Scotland #2 Michael Valentine and #7 Stuart Ellis. Duncan beat Young in the first match, but lost his next to Ellis; then Young scored an unlikely but thoroughly deserved victory over UK Tour pro Valentine to put himself within a win of the semi finals. A missed combination of 2 to 9 cost Young his place however, as Ellis ran out the final 2 racks for victory. With Baxter losing to Valentine, the players returned empty handed.
 

22/12/03: Autumn League Cup

  John McCann powered his way to another title at Miami Beach on Monday evening, as he added a first ever League Cup to his growing collection. John scooped the Autumn League Cup in ruthless fashion, dropping only 3 racks all evening. From 2-1 down to Martin McIntosh in the semi finals, McCann slipped into "the zone", winning all the remaining racks for a 7-2 win, and continued this winning streak in a 7-0 demolition of Jim O'Hare in the final. McCann played exhibition 9-ball in the final, affording O'Hare only 3 chances in 7 racks, none of which were converted into clearances.
  McCann, largely inactive during the autumn season, nevertheless posted an impressive record in the events he did enter; in 5 tournaments, he won 3, and was runner up to deciding rack finishes in the other 2; this pedigree means he will be an overwhelming favourite to regain the league title, the winter version of which commences at Miami Beach on January 12th 2004.
 Results: Quarter finals: [Seeds in brackets] J.O'Hare[1] bt. S.Henderson 6-2; S.Baxter[13] bt. S.Gilbert[5] 6-3; M.McIntosh[6] bt. S.Mitchell[3] 6-5; J.McCann[2] bt. B.Craig[7] 6-1
  Semi finals: O'Hare bt. Baxter 7-5; McCann bt. McIntosh 7-2
  Final: McCann bt. O'Hare 7-0

15/12/03 ANBA Autumn League Week 10

   The curtain was brought down on the ANBA Autumn League at Miami Beach on Monday night, when Scott Gilbert won the final counting event. Scott beat Jim O'Hare in one of the most entertaining finals in the history of the association.
  O'Hare needed to get to the quarter finals of the event to be crowned champion, but got off to the worst possible start when Ryan Law handed him a 3-1 defeat in the group stages; Law then went from strength to strength, winning his remaining 2 group matches, before raising his game to oust Summer champion Mark Oaten in the last 16, and ANBA Open quarter finalist Spencer Henderson in the last 8. Back to form Scott Gilbert then ended the run of Law in the semi finals, to set up a meeting with Jim O'Hare, who shakily negotiated his remaining 2 group matches, and held off David Young in the last 16 to confirm the league title, before finding some form to advance to the final.
  What followed was a treat for the players who hung around to spectate. Due to time constraints, the knockout phase of the event was reduced to races to 4, including the final. With the final starting at 20 minutes to closing time, it seemed unlikely that it would be completed- but Gilbert and O'Hare served up an incredible 10 minute final that went the distance. Scott potted from the break in rack 1, then took the 1 ball, and planted the 2 onto the 9. 1-0 Gilbert. Jim fouled on the break in rack 2, leaving Scott a combination of 1 onto 9. 2-0. Scott broke in rack 3 and potted the 9. 3-0 Gilbert, O'Hare having played 1 shot up to this point. Jim potted from the break in rack 4, then fluked a 1-9 combination to pull a rack back. 3-1 Gilbert. Scott fouled from the break next, and after healthy encouragement from the watching crowd, Jim attempted an audacious 1-9 combination in the next which flew in. 3-2 Gilbert. At this stage, Scott Gilbert had played 6 shots, and Jim O'Hare 4. In the next rack, there was no such excitement- both players even played safety shots- before O'Hare cleared the last 6 balls to level. Only one more shot was played, as Scott broke in the next, and watched the 9 fly into the centre pocket in what seemed an appropriate ending.
  So O'Hare wins the league title-his 3rd in all, and first since 2001-a gap of 11 seasons. Steve Mitchell finished 2nd, with Gary Aitkenhead 3rd.
  Results: Quarter finals: R.Law bt. S.Henderson 4-2; S.Gilbert bt. A.Pirie 4-1; S.Baxter bt. P.Will 4-3; J.O'Hare bt. S.Mitchell 4-2; Semi finals: Gilbert bt. Law 4-2; O'Hare bt. Baxter 4-2 Final: Gilbert bt. O'Hare 4-3
  Final Standings: 1.J.O'Hare 564 points; 2.S.Mitchell 463; 3.G.Aitkenhead 408; 4.M.McIntosh 365; 5.M.Gravener 361; 6.D.Young 350; 7.D.Matthew 339; 8.A.Pirie 337; 9.S.Gilbert 321; 10.S.Baxter 302

8/12/03: ANBA Autumn League, Week 9

  Jim O'Hare claimed pole position in the ANBA Autumn League at Miami Beach on Monday night, when he won week 9's event. Jim beat Mark Gravener 7-5 in the final after Mark had recovered from 6-2 behind to apply pressure. Jim had earlier been fortunate to get past Stephen Wares, who led 3-1, and missed a 9 ball at 3-3 for the match. After this scare, Jim then beat Justin Balment, and Summer champion Mark Oaten to set up the final meeting with Gravener. Jim led 4-1, but Marks' missed 9 ball to pull back to 4-2, meant O'Hare led 5-1, and only at 2-6 down did Gravener begin to play like he can.
 The no show of both Gary Aitkenhead and Darren Matthew effectively means Jim and Steve Mitchell are the only 2 players who can still win the league. A superb Mark Oaten clearance at 4-4 in the quarter final, after a missed combination of 3 onto 9 by Mitchell, means that O'Hare carries a 70 point comfort zone into next weeks final event, so a run to the quarter finals will confirm him as champion.
  Results: Quarter finals: M.Gravener bt. R.Keith 5-1; D.Young bt. M.McIntosh 5-3; M.Oaten bt. S.Mitchell 5-4; J.O'Hare bt. J.Balment 5-3 Semi finals: Gravener bt. Young 6-2; O'Hare bt. Oaten 6-2 Final: O'Hare bt. Gravener 7-5
  Standings: 1.J.O'Hare 491 points; 2.S.Mitchell 421; 3.G.Aitkenhead 376; 4.D.Matthew 339; 5.M.McIntosh 333; 6.M.Gravener 328; 7.D.Young 317; 8.A.Pirie 296; 9.S.Baxter 250; 10.G.Innes 237

1/12/03: ANBA Autumn League, Week 8

  Gary Aitkenhead emphatically put himself in the picture for the ANBA Autumn League title at Miami Beach on Monday night, by winning the week 8 event. Just as the league was shaping up for a 3-horse finish, Gary leapfrogged Darren Matthew into 3rd place with a 7-5 win in the final over Martin McIntosh. Gary had earlier scored an excellent victory over triple ANBA champion Derek Hearns, whilst Martin impressively negotiated 2 deciding rack finishes to reach the final. With 2 weeks remaining, Steve Mitchell is in pole position by just 4 points from Jim O'Hare, with Aitkenhead closing in a further 15 points behind. Darren Matthew, famous for several end of season flourishes-most recently in the spring 2003 league when he won the last 3 events only to agonisingly finish second-also has a chance, but has 56 points to make up on the leader.
  Results: Quarter finals: M.Gravener 5-2 S.Mitchell; M.McIntosh 5-4 J.Hearns; D.Hearns 5-1 B.Craig; G.Aitkenhead 5-2 D.Young Semi finals: McIntosh 6-5 Gravener; Aitkenhead 6-2 Hearns Final: Aitkenhead 7-5 McIntosh

 30/11/03: SAPPA Tour, Coatbridge

  Jim O'Hare was the sole representative from Aberdeen in the final leg of the 2003 SAPPA Tour at Rileys, Coatbridge. Jim, needing points to ensure top 16 status for next season, was satisfied to finish in the 17th-24th bracket of the tournament after 2 unlucky defeats. Gavin Kerr (Dunblane) potted 2 consecutive 9 balls from the break from 4-3 down to send Jim to the "losers" side of the draw. Wins over Danny Turner (Dalkeith) and Dave McPherson (Glasgow) set up a qualifying match with Brian Hunter (Falkirk). Again Jim led 4-3, but Hunter set up a decider with a pressure clearance, and then proceeded to break and clear in the decider to advance to the knockout phase.

25/11/03: Provisional ANBA Rankings

  In the latest ANBA Rankings list, issued after the ANBA Open, John McCann holds on to top spot by a mere point from Darren Matthew. It's no secret that Darren will take over as clear number 1 at the end of the current season -barring a league collapse- but Johns' run to the ANBA Open final ensures he holds it for a few more weeks. Jim O'Hare(3) and Mark Oaten(4) both climb a place to dislodge Stuart Garden out of the top 4, whilst Scott Gilbert (9th to 7th) and Steve Mitchell (11th to 10th) are the only other top 10 climbers.
  Elsewhere, Pat McCarron- 4th in the ANBA Open- climbs a healthy 8 places to 11th; Brian Craig is a top 16 debutant at 12th after consistent point scoring. Stephen Wares actually lost in the first round of the ANBA Open, but then proceeded to win through 5 rounds on the "losers side" to finish in the cash-his resultant climb from 23rd to 18th is the reward. Derek Hearns (14th), an infrequent competitor on the Aberdeen 9-ball circuit, nevertheless safeguarded top 16 status by claiming 3rd place at the ANBA Open.
  As always, players who don't yet have a full years worth of points to count, occupy the "highest climber" labels; Gary Duncan moves 16 places to 29th, and Scott Abel moves from 90th to 66th.
  The next ranking list will be published after the current league season ends on December 15th.

24/11/03: ANBA Autumn League Week 7

  John McCann delivered a reminder to the 9-ball community on Monday evening at Miami Beach, of just how deadly he can be, as he took the honours in leg 7 of the ANBA Autumn League.
  A cautious 4-2 initial win over dangerous Martin McIntosh was followed up by 4-0, 4-0 and 5-0 victories to put him in the semi final against Steve Mitchell. Steve was looking for a 4th consecutive final appearance, and started brightly to lead 3-0; but then McCann clicked into gear, losing only one more rack on the way to a 6-4 win.
  Jim O'Hare had more of a minefield route to the final, as wins over Alex Scott (5-4) and David Young- 6-5 after Young missed the final 9- demonstrated. O'Hare actually took the first rack of the final after a McCann miscue, but an ambitious attempt at a 1-5-9 combination in the next resulted in a McCann clearance; a missed 8 at 3-1 down signalled the end for O'Hare, as McCann was in no mood to pass up chances, and a 7-1 victory followed.
  With 3 counting events to go, O'Hare has a 38 point lead over Mitchell, with Darren Matthew- absent due to snooker commitments- a further 14 behind. Only these 3 can realistically win.
  Results: Quarter finals: D.Young 5-0 D.Groves; J.O'Hare 5-4 A.Scott; S.Mitchell 5-4 A.Pirie; J.McCann 5-0 S.Garden Semi finals: O'Hare 6-5 Young; McCann 6-4 Mitchell Final: McCann 7-1 O'Hare
  Standings: 1.J.O'Hare 391 points; 2.S.Mitchell 353; 3.D.Matthew 339; 4.A.Pirie 279; 5.G.Aitkenhead 276; 6.M.McIntosh 250; 7.S.Baxter 237; 8.G.Innes 235; 9.D.Young 229; 10.P.Will 203

17/11/03: ANBA Autumn League Week 6

  Darren Matthew is starting to look good for a first ANBA League title after winning the 6th event. Darren beat Steve Mitchell, who himself was playing in a 3rd consecutive final, 6-4. Darren, Steve and Jim O'Hare look to be pulling away from the field with 4 weeks to go.
  Results:Q/Final

Scott Baxter 5 4 Mark Gravener
Gary Duncan 4 5 Steve Mitchell
Darren Matthew 5 2 Gary Aitkenhead
John Keller 3 5 David Young

S/Final

Baxter 4 5 Mitchell
Matthew 5 2 Young

Final

Matthew 6 4 Mitchell

Standings:
1.D.Matthew 339 points
2.J.O'Hare 320
3.S.Mitchell 299
4.G.Aitkenhead 244
5.M.McIntosh 241
6.A.Pirie 235
7.S.Baxter 218
8.G.Innes 205
9.M.Gravener 198
10.D.Young 174

 

16/11/03: Budweiser ANBA Open

  Miami Beach was the venue for the 3rd staging of the Budweiser ANBA Open on Sunday, and hopes were high for a first ever Aberdeen winner. Although last years champion Anthony Ginn chose not to defend his title, a quality field nevertheless took their chances. With 3 semi finalists in Derek Hearns, Pat McCarron and John McCann, it was looking like Aberdeen would enjoy a first ever winner, but  Sean Boxall (Helensburgh) didn't read that particular script. After knocking McCann to the losers side of the draw in the "double elimination" style event, Sean faced Derek in the final of the "no-loss" side of the draw. An early 6-2 lead for Sean proved too big a gap for Derek to plug, as he lost 10-7. Meanwhile, McCann beat McCarron, and then Hearns to put him into the overall final-but had to beat Boxall twice to win the title. In a tight match, there was never more than 2 racks between the players, and Sean ensured there would be no need for a second final when he prevailed 11-10.
   The win caps a great year for Boxall, who in the last 2 months has represented Scotland in the Home Internationals, and climbed into the top 16 in the Scottish rankings.

 

10/11/03: ANBA Autumn League Week 5

  At the halfway stage of the ANBA Autumn League, Jim O'Hare holds an 81 point lead after winning week 5's event at Miami Beach. Jim beat Steve Mitchell 7-5 in a keenly fought final-the second successive week the pair have squared up in the final. Jim led 2-0, but Steve utilized the combination shot on the 9-ball twice in the next 3 racks to forge 3-2 ahead; an error in the next gave control of the table back to Jim, who built a 5-3 lead, but Steve arrived at 5-5 with 2 good clearances. Jim took a good finish in the next to lead 6-5, and despite missing a 2-9 combination in the next, cleared from his next chance for 7-5.
  ANBA players' minds this weekend will be on the Budweiser ANBA Open. Now in its third year, Miami Beach hosts the event on Sunday, and a competitive field is expected. UK number 11 Anthony Ginn defends the title he won last year, but local players have a good shout, with Derek Hearns looking to avenge last years final loss to Ginn. Entry is £15, a double elimination format will be in place for the initial stages, and the prize fund will be a minimum of £1000. Players can register at the venue between 11:30am and 12 noon.
  Results: ANBA Autumn League week 5, Quarter-finals: M.McIntosh 5-3 D.Young; S.Mitchell 5-1 M.Adams; D.Matthew 5-0 P.Will; J.O'Hare 5-1 A.Meldrum Semi-finals: Mitchell 6-4 McIntosh; O'Hare 6-5 Matthew Final: O'Hare 7-5 Mitchell
  Standings: 1.J.O'Hare 320 pts; 2.D.Matthew 239; 3.S.Mitchell 225; 4.A.Pirie 220; 5.M.McIntosh 210; 6.G.Aitkenhead 202; 7.G.Innes 171; 8.S.Baxter 164; 9.S.Gilbert 160; 10.M.Oaten 155

3/11/03: ANBA Autumn League Week 4

  Steve Mitchell found his form at just the right time to win week 4 of the ANBA Autumn League at Miami Beach on Monday. At 4-0 down to Stephen Wares in the race to 5 semi-final, Steve looked dead and buried, but as so often happens when a player has his back to the wall, Steve relaxed into a fluent game, and took the remaining 5 racks to line up in the final against Jim O'Hare.
  The first 2 racks had an identical ending, as Jim scratched on the 7 ball, leaving Steve easy 2 ball finishes in each. Steve turned the screw with an excellent clearance for 3-0, and took an awkward long 7 ball, landing perfect on the 9 for 4-0. Steve potted 7, 8 and 9 for 5-0, before Jim won his first rack. The comeback was spoiled with another in-off in the next, and Steve ran out for victory.
  Results: Quarter finals: J.O'Hare 4-3 D.Matthew; G.Aitkenhead 4-1 A.McCartney; S.Mitchell 4-1 A.Pirie; S.Wares 4-2 J.Keller Semi finals: O'Hare 5-3 Aitkenhead; Mitchell 5-4 Wares Final: Mitchell 6-1 O'Hare
  Standings: 1. J.O'Hare 220pts; 2. G.Aitkenhead 202; 3. A.Pirie 189; 4. D.Matthew 184; 5. M.McIntosh 156; 6. M.Oaten 155; 7. M.Gravener 154; 8. S.Mitchell 150; 9. G.Innes 140; 10. S.Baxter 134

   This years ANBA Open takes place at Miami Beach on Sunday 16th November, with a prize fund of at least £1000. As usual, the cream of Aberdeen pool talent will be pitting their wits against the top Scottish players, as well as a few UK Tour stars. Entry is £15, and a double elimination format will be in use. Players must register between 11:30 am and 12:00 pm on the day.

 27/10/03: ANBA Autumn League Week 3

  After 3 weeks of play in the ANBA Autumn League at Miami Beach, there are no clues yet as to the titles destiny, as only 14 points separate the top 5 players. Summer champion  Mark Oaten won week 3's event, beating ANBA no.1 John McCann in a hard fought final; at 5-4 down in the race to 6 affair, Mark managed to snooker himself on the 6 ball, but played a dead weight cushion-first pot on the 6 to retain position on the 7, and cleared to force a decider. Despite over running position from 5 to 6 in the next, Mark held firm to pot the remaining 4 balls to secure first place in the league.
  Results: Quarter finals: J.McCann 5-1 D.Matthew; P.Will 5-3 S.Gilbert; M.Oaten 5-4 A.Pirie; S.Garden 5-3 J.O'Hare Semi finals: McCann 6-2 Will; Oaten 6-2 Garden Final: Oaten 6-5 McCann
  Standings; 1. M.Oaten 155 pts; 2= G.Aitkenhead & J.O'Hare 149; 4. A.Pirie 148; 5. D.Matthew 141; 6. M.McIntosh 124; 7. M.Gravener 123; 8. G.Innes 108
  Rileys Chapel Street this Sunday (2nd November) hosts the Scottish junior Championships; the event kicks off at 12:30pm, and costs £5 (JASPPA members), or £8 (non members).

20/10/03: ANBA Autumn League Week 2

  In week 2 of the ANBA Autumn League at Miami Beach, Darren Matthew began his campaign for a first league title with a comfortable victory. Darren survived the group stages despite a hiccup in losing to Stuart Garden, but from then on found top gear.  Victories over Ryan Keith, a creditable first time quarter finalist, and Mark Gravener in the semis, set Darren up for a final meeting with Andy Pirie, himself making his debut in an ANBA final. Darren looked set for an easy ride in the final after a flawless start brought about a 4-1 lead. However, Andy to his credit showed stubborn resistance, and levelled the match. Darrens greater experience had to be called upon in the latter stages, as he closed the match out 7-4.
  Results: Quarter finals: D.Matthew 5-0 R.Keith; M.Gravener 5-4 G.Innes; M.McIntosh 5-3 S.Gilbert; A.Pirie 5-4 S.Baxter Semi finals: Matthew 6-4 Gravener; Pirie 6-4 McIntosh Final: Matthew 7-4 Pirie
  The held over final of week 1's event was also played, and Gary Aitkenhead triumphed after progressing from 3-2 to 6-2 over Jim O'Hare, and being pegged back to 6-6 before winning the decider. After 2 weeks of play, Aitkenhead sits atop the league, from O'Hare in 2nd place; twice semi-finalist Mark Gravener is 3rd, whilst week 2 finalists Andy Pirie and Darren Matthew are 4th & 5th respectively; Martin McIntosh is close behind, and has a large lead over the 7th place.
 

19/10/03: Scottish 9-ball Championships, Kirkcaldy

  In the Scottish 9-ball championships, held at Styx, Kirkcaldy over the weekend, John McCann can count himself unlucky to have been a beaten quarter finalist; after a comfortable victory over Jamie Murray (Glasgow), John survived deciding rack finishes against George Fagan (Rutherglen) and Ryan Tenbuck (Dundee), before hitting top form to oust Ian McIntosh (Stirling) 9-5. At 8-7 down to Geoff Dunn (Falkirk) in the quarter finals, McCann looked like setting up another deciding rack finish, but went in-off the 6 ball in the next rack, with 8-8 just 3 pots away. A relieved Dunn took the remaining balls, and went on to win the title with victory over Steve Capaldi (Glasgow) in the final.

13/10 03: ANBA Autumn League Week 1

   The ANBA Autumn League got under way at Miami Beach on Monday evening, but the week 1 event did not produce a winner; time ran out for finalists Gary Aitkenhead and Jim O'Hare, with Gary leading 3-2, and the race to 7 match will be played to a finish next week.
  Champion Mark Oaten survived 2 nervy deciding rack finishes, firstly against former top 5 player Alan Meldrum, making a welcome return after finishing a placement 4-3; Mark then beat Martin McIntosh 5-4 before losing 6-5 to Aitkenhead.
  As usual at the start of a season, new talent was in evidence as more and more cue sport players turn to 9-ball; pick of the bunch could be Barry Edmonds who won a group containing ANBA top 32 players Ivan Tulloch and Stephen Wares, and followed up with a 4-3 verdict over Alex Scott to reach the quarter finals, where he was unlucky to be squeezed out 5-3 by O'Hare, who then enjoyed a kind run of the balls against Mark Gravener to reach the final.

  Results: Quarter finals: J.O'Hare 5-3 B.Edmonds; M.Gravener 5-2 D.Young; M.Oaten 5-4 M.McIntosh; G.Aitkenhead 5-0 B.Craig Semi finals: O'Hare 6-0 Gravener; Aitkenhead 6-5 Oaten Final: Aitkenhead leads O'Hare 3-2 (to finish next week)

  Jim O'Hare was part of the victorious Scotland team who won the inaugural Home Internationals at Kirkcaldy at the weekend; the Scots defeated Ireland 7-1 in the final. Jim then reached the semi final of the Open Singles event, along with 3 of his Scottish team mates, before losing 10-4 to eventual winner Michael Valentine (Falkirk).

6/10/03 ANBA Autumn League Details:

  The ANBA Autumn League gets under way on Monday 13th October, at Miami Beach, and will run for 10 weeks. As usual, a tournament will be held every Monday, and players earn points depending on their progress in each event. At the end of the 10 weeks, a players best 8 performances are added up, and the player with the most points will be crowned Autumn League Champion.
   Entry fee to each event will be £5, or £3 for ANBA members; ANBA membership costs £10 annually. End of season prize monies will be paid out to the top 4 players who pay an initial £20 league entry fee; players have until the commencement of week 3 to pay this fee.
   Newcomers welcome.

 29/9/03 ANBA Summer League Cup

  Darren Matthew put on a powerful display to win a first ever ANBA League cup at Miami Beach on Monday night. Darren beat John McCann in an entertaining final to deny what would have also been a first league cup win for John.
  Darren went in-off whilst breaking in the first rack, and John cleared up; John broke and cleared in the next for 2-0, and a Matthew error in rack 3 was punished for 3-0. Darren regained sufficient composure to clear the 9 balls in the next for 1-3, and won a scrappy 5th for 2-3. When Darren is flowing, his control of the table is impressive-if he doesn't clear them up, he'll restrict his opponent to awkward snooker escapes, and it was into this relentless pattern that his game clicked for the next 5 racks as he turned the match on its head to lead 7-3. John commendably took the next, having not had a clear chance for 5 racks, but an unlucky in-off brought up 8-4 for Darren. At 8-5, Darren tried a cheeky combination that would have won the match; John cleared up from the resulting miss, and broke and cleared to close to 7-8. However, in a safety dominated 16th rack, Darren had the better of the exchanges, and potted 5,7,8 and 9 for victory.
   In earlier rounds, the traditional league cup shock results were in evidence: Stuart Garden, enjoying the role of 2nd seed for the event, was on the receiving end of a 5-0 defeat to Stephen Wares; Paul Will ousted League champ Mark Oaten in the last 16; and teenager Ryan Law, playing in his first ANBA event in over a year, reached the semi-finals impressively, beating 3 top 16 players along the way.

  Results: (Seedings in brackets) Quarter-finals: J.McCann[1] bt. S.Gilbert[8] 7-3; J.O'Hare[4] bt. P.Will[12] 7-5; D.Matthew[3] bt. G.Aitkenhead[6] 7-4; R.Law bt. B.Strachan[15] 7-5 Semi-finals: McCann bt. O'Hare 8-4; Matthew bt. Law 8-4 Final: Matthew bt. McCann 9-7

Darren Matthew

22/9/03: ANBA Summer League weeks 9 & 10

  The ANBA summer league was brought to a conclusion on Monday at Miami Beach, as the scramble for places behind already confirmed champion Mark Oaten materialised. First of all was the completion of the previous weeks event, which had over-run; Mark Oaten beat Darren Matthew in the held over semi final to meet Scott Gilbert in the final, and Scott won the last 3 racks to sneak an 8-7 win. When the final week event got under way, there were still about 8 players in the running who could grab second spot in the league. Jim O'Hare and Stuart Garden finished 1st and 2nd respectively in a group to emerge as favourites for 2nd place, especially as both Gary Aitkenhead and Mark Gravener failed to progress. In the quarter finals, Mark Oaten got revenge on Scott Gilbert, whilst Garden and O'Hare both made the semis to keep the battle for 2nd place going. That was where the battle ended, as Garden played a solid semi-final to oust Oaten, whilst O'Hare fell to an inspired Pat McCarron, who withstood the loss of the first 2 racks to record a 7-4 win. With the league placings decided, both finalists agreed to share the prize money and points to bring the season to an end.

 Results: (Week 9) Quarter finals: M.Oaten 5-2 B.Craig; D.Matthew 5-2 S.Baxter; J.O'Hare 5-1 S.Garden; S.Gilbert 5-3 A.Scott Semi finals: Oaten 5-2 Matthew; Gilbert 5-1 O'Hare Final: Gilbert 8-7 Oaten
  (Week 10) Quarter finals: S.Garden 6-1 J.Keller; M.Oaten 6-3 S.Gilbert; J.O'Hare 6-5 P.Craig; P.McCarron 6-4 S.Baxter Semi finals: Garden 7-5 Oaten; McCarron 7-4 O'Hare Final: Not played

  Final League Placings: 1.M.Oaten 683 points; 2.S.Garden 431; 3.J.O'Hare 361; 4.M.Gravener 351; 5.S.Baxter 343; 6.G.Innes 327; 7.G.Aitkenhead 321; 8.S.Gilbert 313; 9.M.McIntosh 284; 10.J.Keller 264

  In the new ANBA rankings, issued at the end of each season, John McCann, 6 times league winner prior to absence from the summer league, retains top spot by some 300 points, helped by his capture of the Aberdeen singles. Summer league runner-up Stuart Garden climbs 3 places to 2nd, replacing Darren Matthew (3rd); league champion Mark Oaten is the most significant top 10 move, as he rises from 11th to 6th. There are good moves also for Steve Mitchell (18th to 11th), Brian Craig (31st to 19th) and Graham Innes (44th to 23rd). Top newcomer is Scott Baxter, a creditable 5th placing in the summer league at his first attempt sees him gain an initial ranking of 29th.

21/9/03: SAPPA Tour, 5th leg

  Jim O'Hare managed the curious distinction of progressing further in a Scottish Ranking event than he has in the entire ANBA league season on Sunday, when he reached the final of the latest SAPPA event in Greenock. Jim, a consistent quarter and semi finalist in the ANBA league all season without actually making it to a final, found the form he is capable of to become only the second Aberdeen player to ever reach the final of a SAPPA event. After an arduous 5-4 victory over Darren Murphy (Glasgow) in the last 32, Jim scaled the heights to record a first ever win over pool pro Ross McInnes (Dunfermline) in the last 16, finishing the job with a flamboyant break & clearance in the 12th rack to win 7-5. With confidence high, Jim then swept past Sean Boxall (Helensburgh) 7-4, and Joni Holden (Edinburgh) 7-4 to set up a final with runaway Scottish number 1 Geoff Dunn (Falkirk).
  Geoff started the better, and quickly led 3-1; Jim, showing no nerves in what was uncharted territory, won 4 of the next 5 to lead 5-4; at 5-5, Geoff had the 8 and 9 at his mercy, but unbelievably miscued to hand Jim the advantage; a brave double on the 8 brought up a 7-5 lead for Jim, before a missed billiard combination in the 13th allowed the initiative to swing back to Geoff-he won the next 3 to go on the hill at 8-7, before handing a half chance to Jim in the next-with the 7 8 and 9 all tight on the same cushion, Jim showed coolness under pressure to mop them up and force a decider. The luck of the break deserted Jim however, as nothing dropped from his opening shot in the final rack; from there, Geoff showed why he is Scotlands Number 1, with a positionally perfect clearance to win 9-8.
   Despite the disappointment of losing such a close match, the run will be a timely confidence booster for Jim, who will be the first Aberdeen player to represent Scotland at 9-ball pool, when he lines up in next months home internationals at Kirkcaldy.
 

8/9/03: ANBA Summer League Week 8

  Mark Oaten was confirmed as the ANBA Summer League champion at Miami Beach on Monday night as he won week 8's event, his fifth victory in all. Mark beat Mark Gravener in the final after Gravener spurned several opportunities in the match. Oaten now leads by 288 points with 2 weeks remaining, and cannot be caught. The battle is on however, for runner-up spot, with no less than 6 players still in with a shout. Gravener is favourite after 2 consecutive runner-up spots see him rise from 12th to 4th.
  Results: Quarter finals: S.Garden 6-3 J.O'Hare; M.Oaten 6-3 B.Craig; M.Gravener 6-1 J.Keller; S.Baxter 6-3 A.Pirie Semi finals: Oaten 7-4 Garden; Gravener 7-2 Baxter Final: Oaten 8-2 Gravener

 

7/9/03: 2003 Aberdeen Singles

  6 times ANBA league champion John McCann added a new title to his collection, when he won the Aberdeen Singles title at Miami Beach on Sunday. John, absent from the ongoing Summer League after a run of 6 consecutive league titles, showed that he has lost none of his sharpness, and a 10-5 final victory over 2000 winner Jim O'Hare, brought him the title for the first time. Pivotal moment of the match came when O'Hare, leading 4-3, missed an elementary 9-ball playing with check-side to avoid an in-off. John won this rack to draw level, and this sparked a 4 rack winning streak to 8-4 for the ANBA number 1. By this stage, McCann was punishing every mistake, and only 3 more racks were needed to complete victory.

  Jim O'Hare had earlier been the grateful recipient of a walkover from the semis into the final, after the controversial withdrawal of Darren Matthew; Darren had misread the finishing time of the event, and finding himself in the semi finals less than half an hour before having to attend work, had no option but to withdraw.

   Another performance of note came from Rene Taticek-the twice Aberdeen snooker champion showed that he is a dangerous opponent on a 9-ball table with an excellent run to the semi finals before running into McCann.

  Results: Quarter finals: J.McCann 8-3 G.Aitkenhead; R. Taticek 8-3 M.Gravener; D.Matthew 8-4 M.Oaten; J.O'Hare 8-4 P.McCarron Semi finals: McCann 9-5 Taticek; O'Hare w/o Matthew (scr.) Final: McCann 10-5 O'Hare


 

1/9/03 : ANBA Summer League week 7

  Darren Matthew returned emphatically to the winners rostrum on Monday night by scooping the glory in week 7 of the ANBA Summer League at Miami Beach. Darren, playing in only his second counting event due to work commitments, nevertheless finds himself in 15th place in the league table, after beating Mark Gravener in Mondays final. League leader Mark Oatens' title charge suffered a temporary setback after Gravener delivered a 4-0 defeat in the last 16. However, Marks nearest challenger, Gary Aitkenhead, has a 233 point gap to plug in the remaining 3 weeks of the season.
  Results: Quarter finals: D.Matthew bt. G.Duncan 5-2; B.Strachan bt G.Aitkenhead 5-0; A.McCartney bt. M.McIntosh 5-4; M.Gravener bt. S.Baxter 5-4 Semi-finals: Matthew bt. Strachan 6-5; Gravener bt. McCartney 6-4 Final: Matthew bt. Gravener 6-2
  Standings: 1.M.Oaten 523 pts; 2. G.Aitkenhead 290; 3. S.Garden 281; 4.G.Innes 242; 5.S.Mitchell 235; 6.M.Gravener 233; 7. M.McIntosh 229; 8.S.Baxter 223; 9.A.McCartney 219; 10. J.O'Hare 213

  This Sunday (7th September) at Miami Beach (12:00) sees the staging of the annual Aberdeen Singles. Cost is £8 to enter (£6 to ANBA members). Details on www.anba.co.uk

1/9/03: Aberdeen Singles details announced

  The 2003 running of the Aberdeen singles takes place at Miami Beach on Sunday 7th September, with a 12:00 (for 12:30) start.

  Entry fee is £8 (£6 for ANBA members), and will be seeded based on the current ANBA rankings.

  Format yet to be decided, although it is likely that there will be an initial "group phase", followed by straight knockout from either the last 16 or quarter finals onwards. Trophy plus prize monies (dependent on number of entries) to be distributed after the final. This event carries a rankings tarriff of 2.5, so the rankings could be greatly influenced by performances in this event.

28/7/03 ANBA Summer League Week 2

  Mark Oaten made it 3 straight ANBA tournament victories with a week 2 triumph at Miami Beach. In the knock-out phase, both he and Stuart Garden breezed to the final, which itself was played at a fast tempo, with both players in an attacking mood. Stuart punished an Oaten error at 1-1 with a clearance, and added a "golden break" for 3-1; Mark began to motor, and edged in front at 6-5, at which point Garden made what was to prove a pivotal error; snookered on the 2 ball, Stuart faced an easy escape, but with the 9 ball over the lip of a pocket, removing this was a priority. In keeping with the attacking spirit of the match, Stuart elected not to pot the 9, but to play the escape on the 2; Mark was left with a simple finish to go "on the hill". Although Stuart pulled 1 back, he couldn't get 3, and Oaten completed the 8-6 win which represents a third consecutive tournament win after collecting in week 1, and also the Spring League Cup.

21/7/03 ANBA Summer League Week 1

  The Summer 2003 League at Miami Beach got under way on Monday night, and fastest out of the blocks was league cup holder Mark Oaten. Mark was in sparkling form throughout, and was only seriously tested in the semi final, in which former league champion Willie Guyan took it to the final rack. Scott Gilbert was Marks final opponent, who after quickfire quarter and semi final victories, must have fancied his chances-but it was Oaten who produced the goods. Mark quickly established a 4-1 lead, and although the tempo of the match slowed after that, Mark kept winning racks, and was "on the hill" at 7-2. Only one more chance was needed, as Oaten pounced for an 8-2 victory, to set the early pace in the league.

7/7/03 ANBA Summer League

  After an EGM of the ANBA committee, it has been decided that the new league will commence on Monday 21/7/03 at Miami Beach. The league will have the same format as the previous-10 weeks play, best 8 finishes to count, £20 entry fee-and will be followed on the 11th week with the Summer League Cup. The possibility of resurrecting the Aberdeen Singles Championship was discussed, and a suitable Sunday spot in the calendar is to be looked into.

6/7/03 EmpirePoker.com World Championship Qualifying

  The 5 ANBA players all had their last stab at qualifying today, but there were no happy endings. Roxton Chapman, who had beaten Jim O'Hare the day before, took another ANBA scalp in Jim Coltart. Roxton subsequently went on to lose in the final of tournament 4 to Wei-Kai Hsia (Taiwan)-the second of Coltart's opponents in a row to achieve this. David Young again gave a good account of himself, but went down 6-3 to Gary Fernando (Phillipines). Ean Jones lost to Anders Westgaard (Norway) 6-3, whilst Jim O'Hare let a 4-1 lead slip against Guiseppe Capaletti (Italy) to lose 6-4. The closest an ANBA player got to any cash all weekend, was a cruel 6-5 defeat in the last 32 for Paul Will. Paul managed to slug it out with UK number 45 John O'Brien in the last 32-there was never more than 1 rack between them-and enjoyed a memorable fluke on the 9-ball to level the match at 5-5. To a backdrop of enthusiastic  support for the youngster, both from beaten ANBA players, and curious onlookers, O'Brien was visibly under pressure to win the decider. But that's exactly what he done, with a solid clearance to end ANBA interest at Cardiff for another year.

6/7/03 SAPPA Tour event 4

 In the latest SAPPA event, held at Rileys, Glasgow, ANBA players John McCann and Stuart Garden were dismayed to find that, having travelled together to the event, they were then drawn to play each other in an early round. McCann ran out a narrow 6-5 winner, and was still very much involved at the last 16 stage, before top Scottish international Geoff Dunn ended his run.

5/7/03 EmpirePoker.com World Championship Qualifying

 5 ANBA players have travelled to Cardiff in an attempt to qualify for the world championship, and in the first of the 10 qualifying events held today, all 5 were in action. David Young can count himself unlucky to have lost out to Kim Garmark (Taiwan) by 6-4. Garmark finished the stronger after David had built a 4-3 lead. To put David's performance into perspective, in the next round, Garmark only lost 6-5 to Gerry Watson, who was a qualifier last year. On an adjoining table, Paul Will did not produce his best in losing to Bart Houbens of Holland, but the experience will serve the 14-year old very well. Jim Coltart started brightly against Sascha Andrej Tege (Germany), by taking a 2-0 lead, but was then frozen out, as Tege found his feet. Tege's ability was then highlighted by a subsequent run to the final in tournament 3, where he lost out narrowly to Dennis Orcullo (Phillipines).

  Jim O'Hare and Ean Jones both enjoyed byes to the last 64, as their scheduled opponents failed to show; in that round, Ean was not disgraced in a 6-3 defeat to UK number 24 Steve Brown. Jim withstood the loss of the first 2 racks to UK number 20 Jon Davies, to record a 6-4 victory, but in the next round, Jim found world professional billiards number 8 Roxton Chapman too hot, and lost a one sided match.

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Last modified: 04/11/06