THE ENGLISH GRAND MASTERS

OVER-50's CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Grand Masters (over 50) Championship attracted 41 entrants who contested regional qualification matches to determine which 8 players would report to The Reardon in Stoke for the latter stages.

Bern French came through the Eastern grouping after a walk over and a victory over Tony Henke. Peter Shelley made the tournament highest break of 188 when coming through the Midlands group with some ease winning his matches with 400 and 500 point margins after some prolific break making.

Chris Ross and Bill Andress made progress in the Southern section, Bill eliminated the defending champion Brian Harvey en route.

Jerry Conba was a mere 3 point victor before losing to Ross in a well contested game.

The largest qualifying group saw four players move forward from the North. John Sinclair had a 125 break in his opener, but was subsequently well beaten by Branson Hoole who had earlier beaten Ronnie Haigh.

Norman Routledge accounted for last year's finalist Dennis Mart then Richard Lodge. Alf Nolan eliminated Tony Fielding and Steven Whiteley while Paul Devitt benefited from a withdrawal before beating Tony James.

Bern French ended Paul's run in the quarter final stage and then went on to beat Chris Ross who beat Norman Routledge by only 2 points. Alf Nolan proved too strong for Bill Andress but was then eliminated by Peter Shelley who had earlier seen off Branson Hoole.

Peter's domination of the event continued and he won the event by a margin of 401 after runs of 79,108 and 85 to average a healthy 25.4 points per visit.

QUALIFICATION STAGES

Eastern Area (5 players to provide 1 qualifier)

Midlands Area (4 players to provide 1 qualifier)

Southern Area - 11 players to provide 2 qualifiers

Northern Area (16 players to provide 4 qualifiers)

Played at The Reardon, Stoke on 30th May 98