The Adventure is over

Like all good things, it has to come to an end and my tournament finishes with last 16 place. Had an epic match with Guy Heys from Jersey, I fought back from 3-1 down only to lose the final frame when Guy potted a lovely long pink into the bottom left pocket, but not too disappointed given that this was only my second European event, again reaching the last 16, even more so that I finished as 4th seed and topped my group. I was right with my prediction anyway, Darren Morgan again delivering the goods defeating Joe Delaney 6-0 which in reality was not a true reflection of the match, my friend Joe is a much better player than that score line suggests.

Life in the ol' dog yet eh Brendan? At least I have a target for next year, one year older but one year wiser might be in question lol. Bring on the Whirlwind Saturday night, should be a great end to what has been a good event.

A quick word about my compatriot Alister Wilson from Northern Ireland who defeated Kuldesh Johal in the last 32, who was one of the tournament favourites and current joint highest break holder with David Hogan. Imagine 141 break on the board but out of the tournament. Such is the life of an amateur snooker player. Good work Alister, the only Northern Ireland player left in the event.

With regards to my missing laundry bag I blogged yesterday, how efficient is the Rin Grande Hotel, Bucharest?  It has only shown up again in my hotel room, empty and 6 hangers of freshly cleaned shirts, boxers and tshirts hanging in the wardrobe...with a nice bill for 173 Lei

Not much left on the snooker front then for me, maybe still help out with some coaching as Poland, Germany and Russia are still in the tournament. Having said that Irish coach PJ Nolan suggests I concentrate on my own game and leave the coaching to the professionals, which is probably good advice, but you know I am always available to lend a hand, thanks again PJ!

Have to say that I am at a lose end now, snooker season is over for me until September 2010 when I should be back in Cookstown playing for Mitchells Snooker Club, what a strong team we should have. I have a few spare days until the closing ceremony on Saturday night, and would like to see some more of the old town with my new buddy Greg White who is the smoothest, coolest customer on the planet, and then its back to the airport and ariva derchi Bucharest.... gonna miss u girl.
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The heat is on - Serious Snooker

Day 7 of the championships and another hot day in Bucharest, our group is now down to the last 24 with final 16 playing this evening. As one of the group winners I have been seeded 4 for the tournament which means I am automatically through to final 16 and play the winner of Guy Heys from Jersey and Daniel Bontea from Romania at 7pm this evening, Will try and take in a few of the matches before getting ready for the game, can't wait.

As I have been here a couple of weeks, enough to say I have a large quantity of laundry which I have been putting away in the laundry bag as you do. Problem being I have just noticed that it is missing, no idea where or when it has been taken and I can only hope it will be returned nicely cleaned and pressed!

 Pretty in Pink - Natascha Niermann

Had another visit to the local 'sports bar' as we like to call it, food is good and the service second to none. On this occasion we arrived just as a local TV programme was taking place, right outside the bar, live music, TV cameras, audience and a strange collection of musicians in colourful dress, and was it loud! Following this it was back to the hotel and a couple of quiet drinks in the bar, well as quiet as it gets when there are a few of us in the vicinity, managed to 'sell' Joe Delaney a travel adapter (I think we agreed 30 Lei, or was it 40 Joe?) and met Brendan's wife Maria who arrived from Ireland, lovely lady.

No doubt another visit to the Palace Casino is on the cards, expecting a VIP reception this time, being that I am the owner of a small hamburger chain. Just hope Vlad is working the bar as he is always good for a bit of banter, however will have to arrive early and get the lamb chops ordered before Doron Lavi arrives, either that or hide the ham toasties.

Day 6 - Final group games

Was really looking forward to this match after having about 5-6 hours practice yesterday. Woke up this morning to discover I trapped muscle nerve in my neck from 'overdoing' things.

Managed to overcome my opponent Ovidiu Iane from Romania easily enough, he had a few loose shots, a 49 break in the opening frame set the tempo for the match and I came through 3-0 happily enough. But boy was it painful, two anadin numbed the pain a little bit but its still very sore and I am worried it will work its way down my back, gonna take it easy today with a little warm up at the academy, shower and bed.

Knockout tomorrow so cannot wait.

2010 European Snooker Championships
Northern Ireland Players (Gary Crawford, Allister Wilson, Michael McDonald

Had an early start yesterday (Sunday) with a match against a tough Romanian snooker player, the fourth match of my tournament group. Although I won the match 3-0 it could have been so much worse, I just cannot seem to find any control and it feels like my cue arm has a life of its own, so delighted with the win, as my game cannot get much worse the only way is up I suppose. We are all paying close attention to the group results as group winners are seeded into the next round, second place in group will play off against third place players.

Received our tournament programme this evening, looks good. Janie Watkins from Global Snooker has added some great photographs of the venue and the team players and it is well worth a look, the venue is massive and conditions are just perfect.

After the Snooker it was off to the Casino with my 'brother' Brendan Thomas and what a nights craic that was, especially when Doron Levi from Israel turned up, what a character he is. Enough to say Doron enjoyed his food and fries which were ordered without telling us, and then had the cheek to nick our sandwiches once we ordered ours, nice one Doron. Before I forget, well done Brendan - a fantastic 111 Break in a major European Tournament, not bad for a ol' fella!

The Palace Casino is some spot. A courtesy cab took us direct from the hotel, and once there we could have whatever we wanted from a well stocked bar and extensive hot food buffet area, pure quality.

Romania Snooker Academy & The Old City

A great day Saturday, won my group game 3-1 against Tomáš Náhlík from the Czech Republic, a really nice guy and good attacking player, I think he will push for qualification from our group. Then it was time for some more practice, went back to the Snooker Academy and had a good session with Ewa Pawińska who is the Poland national ladies champion, probably one of the best potters of a straight ball in the ladies game.

After the snooker it was off to the Old City in Bucharest, with Clinton, David, Greg and Tatiana, and what a location it is. We checked out Bordellos and St Patricks Bar before heading off to a club for a 'quiet' drink with Greg, pity the other lads couldn't stay but both had important matches this morning so certainly the right choice, especially for David Hogan, a nice 141 break in his match today. Nice work.

Tournament conditions - Great leveller

Day 2 of the championships and everything is going to schedule, had a quick chat with Phil Williams and he commented on the pockets being a little 'generous' and that this would be a 'great leveller' for the tournament. Time will tell although it is hard looking past his compatriot Darren Morgan who again looks the man to beat this year.

Managed to win my second group game against Doron Lavie from Israel, a player I really like and respect given his attitude to the game of snooker, he plays the game the way I play which I like a lot. Doron was really unlucky not to win the 4th frame, having played a great safety shot with just blue, pink and black remaining, he could only watch as I come off side cushion to fluke the blue along the rail and then pot long pink and long black to get over the winning line. Doron will be back in the knockouts, no doubt.

Still haven't ventured into the city centre, given everything we need is catered for between the EBSA and Rin Grande Hotel so will try and take in the sights over the next couple of days. Having said that had a great wee meal with Brendan Thomas and Joe Delaney this evening, get this: Dutch beer, eating authentic Italian Spagetti Bolagnese in a Bulgarian restaurant served by a Romanian waiter talking about Argentian steaks the next time we visit!

Opening Ceremony - Good to go

Opening Ceremony (Above) with Jim Leacey and Maxim Cassis welcoming the players. The tournament is now officially open, all that is required is to go and pay the entrance fee, my first match is at 12:30. We had a good days practice yesterday, myself and the Irish lads headed over the the Romanian Snooker Academy for some match practice. Was also helped a little by Irish coach PJ Dolan, who spotted my bridge hand was just not right (Thanks PJ!). Below is a picture of the first floor of the academy which has 4 match tables.

These tables play exceptionally well, although I found the cushions were not as responsive as the cloth would lend you to believe. Excellent match practice though, so much so that Joe Delaney and myself stayed on for another 2-3 hours practice, which was great fun. Below is a picture of the main match table set up on the top floor of the academy, pictured left to right are: Clinton Franey (mens), Brendan Thomas (masters), David Hogan (mens and 2009 European Champion), Me and Joe Delaney (mens), a sorry bunch if ever there was one!

Group Draw and Fixtures - European Masters Snooker Romania

Below is the confirmation of the group stage draw and fixtures for next week, I have been placed in Group A against an eclectic mix of talent:

GROUP A
1 Cornel Dirmina Romania
2 Tomas Nahlik Czech
3 Michael McDonald N.Ireland
4 Costas Konnaris Cyprus
5 Ovidu Lane Romania
6 Doran Lavie Israel

Matches
Group Match 1: verses Costas Konnaris (Cyprus) 
27/05/2010 @ 12:30 Table 3
Group Match 2: verses Doron Lavie (Israel)
28/05/2010 @10:00 Table 6
Group Match 3: verses Tomáš Náhlík (Czech Republic)
29/05/2010 @ 13:00 Table 9
Group Match 4: verses Cornel Dirmina (Romania)
30/05/2010 @16:00 Table 1
Group Match 5: verses Ovidiu Iane(Romania)
01/06/2010 @10:00 Table 12

Group tables updated live, click here
To view live match day scoring and tables, click here.

Getting the cue-action really compacted

Went up the the club last night and despite having a fair 'ol yarn with Norrie managed to get in 2-3 hours snooker practice. Enjoyed the chat though, everything from the state of the LibCon colilition to the rate of pay our MLA's and Councilors get, blew me away that one. Anyway, back to the practice, was concerned that over the last few months my new compact cue action was 'pulling' my left elbow out of line (it should be directly in line with the cue, and behind my head if looking from face on, see below.)

The Cause? Experience tells be that this was a consequence of shortening my grip on the cue, and general laziness. The solution? Brace my left shoulder back more which in return not only brought the elbow, grip and cue into line behind the shot but also facilitated a closer interaction the the cue and the chest, which as all good coaches should know is one of only two guidelines to accurate cueing the cue has with the body, the other being the chin.

Will take another few practice sessions in the next week, its not like a radical change as looking through some old photographs it was the way I used to 'cue' and line up when practicing in Cookstown many moons ago. It also adds to the general feeling of compactness I have been looking for. I am slightly surprised I can still remember that far back though, I suppose its like riding a bike...lol

Practice Time

Just under two weeks before we leave Dublin for Bucharest and the Snooker Championships, and its probably time for some more practice. Hopefully Seamus Mitchell will have another of his tournaments on this evening, always good practice session with some quality opposition.

I played a few frames last night in Armagh Golf Club with my HCL mucker Kenny, who has the wildest technique with a rest you could ever hope to see. Try and picture Robin Hood, sitting on the back of Bambi, on Ice and you will get the picture. On top of that he pulled off a pot that even Ronnie would have been proud of, from here on known as 'The Kenny Fong'...Legend
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Supporters - Local Business is Best

Have added a list of local sponsors who have provided financial support making the trip possible, thank you all very much, I will be doing my best for you and getting as much support and exposure as possible in Bucharest, who knows what business or tourists it may attract!

• Ulster Travel, Dungannon - Travel agents for local and international holidays.
• Chieftain Trailers, Dungannon - high quality trailers for commercial and agricultural markets
• Glen Service Station, Dungannon - Quality costcutter and service station.
• Teague &  Sally, Cookstown - Architecture and Engineering solution specialists.
• McAleers Bar, Dungannon - one of the busiest and most loved bars in Dungannon & Tyrone.
• Kildress Plumbing Supplies - Bathrooms, Showers, Ranges and Stoves, the best in N.Ireland
• Cartwheel Bar, Cookstown - Fun and friendly bar in the centre of Cookstown.
• Central Inn, Cookstown - Trading in the Quinn name since 1969, a well known welcoming spot.

Thanks also to everybody who contributed and pledged support  for Theresa and her sponsorship drive in aid of the Buddy Bear Trust in Dungannon. Keep an eye in the local press for an update on the walk and prize draw taking place in the Fort Bar, Dungannon on the 22nd May, winners will be announced then.

A little more Sponsorship

Amazed at the level of generosity out there from companies that are probably feeling the pinch like the rest of us, but are just getting on with it anyway. Just finished the week with some more sponsorship obtained from Chieftain Trailers and Ulster Travel, both from Dungannon in County Tyrone - Thank you so much folks. Had a look at the ebsa.tv website to see if there are anymore updates regarding the group stages or the draw for the event but nothing yet, I suppose something will be done over the weekend.

With regards to practice, had a few frames with my mate Kenny Fong last night after work, and will play in the Friday night Invitational at Mitchell's club this evening. The Northern Ireland championship takes place this weekend, with favourites Declan Brennan and Julian Logue in top form. The tournament should represent a very good test for my new 'compact' cue action as it will demonstrate if it holds up under tournament pressure. My first round match is against K White at 11.15 am in the QE1 Club Belfast. Looking forward to it even if it means leaving home early on Sunday morning!

Theresa's Sponsorship Drive

It goes without saying that participation for an event of this stature is only possible with the aid of sponsorship from either friends and family or local businesses in the community. It is here that my wife Theresa really shines, her ready smile, wit and charm really helps and given that she is also raising money for the Buddy Bear Trust in Dungannon it is a win win situation for everybody.

http://www.buddybeartrust.com/


Theresa will be continuing the fundraising until 22nd May 2010 when she together with Caroline and Annie May will complete a 10 mile sponsored walk from Dungannon to Cookstown. What a team!
 

Snooker in the News

World Championship final today and have to say again its been overshadowed by the John Higgins match fixing scandal rocking the game right now. I only hope Barry Hearn gets to the bottom of things right away and takes the neccessary action, if that means a lifetime ban for John Higgins then so be it. Steve Davis hit the nail on the head,  saying he expected Hearn's influence will be crucial in attempting to restore the game's integrity. "With Barry Hearn in the process of taking the game over, he may be able to cut the cancer out of it from day one," said the Nuggett. Here's hoping Steve.

In the interim I am still on the hunt for sponsorship for the trip to Bucharest having estimated the total cost to be approximately £1250 in total. That is going be even more difficult given the cloud over the game worldwide, anybody that thinks that the professional game will be the only one to suffer is mistaken, the global integrity of snooker both professional and amatuer is at stake.All players and fans alike can only hope and wait for Barry Hearn to cure the disease from the game, I wonder if John Higgins wants to sponsor my trip? John...John?

All confirmed

It's official, places and accomodation have been confirmed so were off 2 Bucharest in just 4 weeks. Brother has a good contact who might provide some sponsorship, Chairman of Carlisle football club no less! Here's hoping.

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Sent from my Nokia phone

Where are we going?

So my little girl Jo Jo asks "where is Romania" and to be honest, I had to think about it, and think hard. "Near Ukraine I think" was my lazy answer. Anyway time to do a bit of research for Joanne and for me.

So what did I find out? "Romania offers a rich tapestry of tourist attractions and vacation experiences unique in Central-Eastern Europe: medieval towns in Transylvania, the world-famous Painted Monasteries in Bucovina, traditional villages in Maramures, the magnificent architecture of Bucharest, the romantic Danube Delta, fairy-tale castles, the Black Sea resorts, the majestic Carpathian Mountains, spas and much more."

Sounds great.  The reason for this sudden interest in a far away Eastern European country is because I will be travelling there in May for the 2010 European Snooker Championships, held in Bucharest. Can't wait. Must be time for some practice and brush away the cobwebs, although have played a fair bit this year already, getting into 3 finals at the local St Patricks Snooker Hall and winning the inaugural McCaughey Family trophy, which was nice. Have also started to work on my game a little, trying to compact things and remove the long flowing cue action which experience tells me can be very inconsistent if your not playing or practicing enough.