With a race to 7 in the final, Marvin had been playing some excellent consistent 9 ball to sprint out to a 6-4 lead and an upset looked possible, if not likely. Not fazed by the score, Marco then broke and cleared to trail 5-6. Next frame, Marvin was gifted his only opportunity to win the match, a natural bank on the 6 ball. Unfortunately this went wide which Marco then cleared to take the match to the hill.

Need I say any more with Marco to break? You guessed it – another break and run out from the hardened professional, going on to win the battle between the 2 best current players, in my eyes, in New Zealand.

Overall it was a good turnout for the club at our first tournament after lockdown. Player of the day was Yuki Takahasi who beat myself (twice), punished Leighton Pologa and took Marvin to the hill. There were solid performances by Ryan Saudumiano and Lincoln Muaulu who both took Marco to the hill, and our Junior 12 year old Jack McDonald was runner up of the plate.

Special thanks to the Filipino contingent who had big numbers there. Great to see their support for the club.

The Professor