The EPSB Weekly | Gold for Gosney in Leeds

Harry Gosney claimed the opening EPSB Under-21 Premier Development Tour event title of the season last weekend at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds. The invitational five-event series features England’s most promising snooker prospects. 

Action began on Saturday with the groups stage where potentially crucial additional ranking points and seeding positions for the subsequent knockout stage were up for grabs. In an example of how competitive the circuit is, no one emerged from the process undefeated; Callum Beresford, Connor Benzey, Ryan Davies, Mark Lloyd, Jenson Kendrick and Hayden Staniland all topped their groups. Kendrick, the current English Under-18 champion, constructed what would be the weekend’s highest break of 110. 

With all players returning the next day, an eventful competition unfolded. Gosney narrowly defeated Jamie Wilson 3-2 in the preliminary round and then compiled two half-centuries in eliminating number two seed Benzey, 4-0, in the last 16. Number one seed Beresford also fell at his opening hurdle when losing to Joe Fenton, 4-1. 

Gosney came through another decider in the quarter-finals as he ousted Manasawin Phetmalaikul (4-3) before top scoring with an 87 break to end the hopes of Liam Pullen (4-2) in the semi-finals. It was an impressive run for the young Pullen who was making his debut on this tier following promotion from last year’s regional tour. 

Another star performer throughout Sunday was Brandon Hall, who dropped just three frames in four matches to reach the final, including a 4-1 success over Fenton in the last four. However, aided with an effort of 80, local Yorkshire cueist Gosney won the title decider 4-2 to begin his 2019/2020 EPSB campaign in superb fashion. 

Gosney is pictured above with Tournament Director Graham Mason. Thank you to the EPSB officials on duty and the Northern Snooker Centre for all your efforts across the tournament.

McLeod Secures UK Seniors Championship Place 

English Amateur Tour Event One winner Rory McLeod achieved more success last weekend when he won the final ROKiTPhones.com UK Seniors Championship qualifying event at the Tradewell Snooker Club in Hull. The victory books McLeod a place in the main draw for late October. 

To find out more, please read the WPBSA article HERE.