The Open Knockout Final was held in the Talbot on 23rd September 2009, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Mike Turner (82), Dave Cooper and Nigel Walker (both 81) and Ted Randles 76.  Of particular note, Mike Turner scored 29 his first stick and then proceeded to play the best stick of the night, scoring a magnificent 53, his final shot being a 1 off the cushion to 'fill them up'.

In the semi-finals, more high scores followed, with Ted being beaten by Dave 52 - 87, and Nigel beating Mike 82 - 73.   Already, by the final, there had been 5 scores of 81or more, but the best was yet to come...

In the final itself, Nigel won the toss and elected to go first.  He played brilliantly and scored 43 + 47 = 90 and it looked a tall order for Dave to follow.  However, Dave played perfectly and potted every ball until he had scored 52 and was left with one ball and the 1 cup to go for.  He could not quite equal Mike's shot and missed the cup by a 1/4", but still scored 52 which left 39 needed for victory.

Disaster almost struck his second stick though.  After being short on the break, his next shot was also too light and completely blocked the black.  His next ball was a foul as he tried to clear the black but he left it inside the 8 cup and still blocked. Another 2 shots saw the black drop into the 9 to score 18 but by now Dave only had 2 balls left, and he still needed 21 to win. His 7th shot saw him pot the 6 and 7 with a very tricky shot still leaving 8 required from his final ball.  Two balls were positioned in the area between the 4, 8 and 9 cups, and Dave played off one of them and scored 8 to give a final total of 52 + 39 = 91, beating Nigel's score by 1 point, 90 - 91.

The general consensus of those present was that it was the best final ever as no-one could remember two players both getting 90+ in a final before.

Congratulations to Dave who received the winners trophy for the second year running (and £300!), and to Nigel who received the Runners-up trophy and £150.

Thanks also to Pat at the Talbot for hosting the event, and for the excellent buffet which was much appreciated by all.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Dave Cooper,  Ray Lamb and  Mike Turner for their help in refereeing throughout the competition,  all of the pubs and clubs for hosting the competition, and each and every entrant for making the whole thing such a success.   The competition will be back in 2010!!!   John P.
 

Actual scores from the night....

First Round
Mitch Whitley    11 + 34 = 45
Ted Randles     40 + 36 = 76                 Semi-Finals
Mike Turner       29 + 53 = 82                 Ted Randles 14 + 38 = 52       v    Dave Cooper 40 + 47 = 87
Dave Cooper    46 + 35 = 81                  Nigel Walker 39 + 43 = 82       v    Mike Turner   43 + 30 = 73
Barry Pace        28 + 14 = 42
Nigel Walker     40 + 41 = 81                  Final
Frank Whitley   19 + 34 = 53                  Nigel Walker 43 + 47 = 90        v    Dave Cooper 52 + 39 = 91
Richard Evans 12 + dnp

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