Matthew Lester

Happy New Year! (back in Doncaster)

2012-01-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

The last few months haven't been good for me personally, the problems I had with not being able to employ a PA amongst other things made me feel quite depressed, which I have never been before. As I have documented in previous posts in this blog not having a PA also meant pool practise was getting very tough which I think also contributed to how I felt at the time. I have since moved back up to Doncaster, and I am optimistic about 2012. Time will tell wether or not I can employ a PA in Doncaster, as I did before I moved to Coventry but we'll see. Being back in Doncaster also means I'll be able to practise once again at Rileys in Barnsley, which in my opinion is the best club in the UK, and of course there is much more of a pool scene in Yorkshire, and there is always someone up for a few racks in Barnsley, wheras in Coventry it was more English pool orientated. Also the first BWPPA stop of the year is at Rileys Barnsley in February so that will make it easier for me to get there. I really hope if I can't employ a PA that there's someone out there who can help me get to practise at least, because I have really missed the game in the last 8 months. The 2012 BWPPA calendar looks as full as I can remember it ever being, and truth be told missing that 1 event last year was disappointing but unavoidable because of the move. I'm hungrier than ever to play the game it's just a case of being able to get to practise and events. Anyway, hope you all had a great Christmas and even better new year?ThanksMatt

British wheelchair 9-ball Championship + end of 2011 season

2011-10-25T01:57:00.000-07:00

First of all apologies for the lack of posts since the Mersey 9-ball Shootout in August, It's been a busy few months. Sarah was in hospital again, this time with a chest infection for over two weeks. Also I went back up to Doncaster for my 23rd birthday. Practise has been hard to come by, as I've said in recent posts Sarah's auntie and uncle have been great taking me practising when they can, but they both now work nights so it's getting more and more difficult, hopefully someone someone who plays American pool in Coventry is reading this and wants a regular practise partner?So then the British wheelchair 9-ball Championship was quite disappointing, I had chances in all of my matches but couldn't take them. In my first match in the main event I lost 7-1 to Gary Swift, a fellow Yorkshireman, and multiple English 8-ball pool wheelchair World Champion. It was a good match, I've played Swifty a few times and he played the best he has ever played against me, that's not saying he outplayed me because he didn't but a few careless positional shots here and there was my downfall, I think that was the same in all of my matches to be honest. In the one-loss side I played Matthew "the Mole" Gleaves, it was the first time I've played Matt on the BWPPA tour, although I played him last year at the Barnsley Open 8-ball event last August. At 3-0 down neither of us could make the 9-ball in the end I made it, off the rail full length of the table. In the next the 9-ball went over a corner pocket early on, a 3-9 combo was begging me to make it which I did only for the cueball to go in the opposite corner very careless, if I had of made that it would have been 3-2 but as it was I went 5-1 down and pulled one back, but that was the end of that.I faced "the Mole" again in the Challenge Cup the next day, things started off better for me. He fouled on the7-ball and I potted 7, 8 and 9. In the next rack he made an early 1-9 combo. I had a couple more chances to win racks but played some loose positional shots so in the end I lost 5-1. It was also really good to see Jouni Tahti, the World 9-ball Champion for wheelchair players attending his first BWPPA event, he ripped the field to pieces on his way to becoming British wheelchair 9-ball Champion, Tony Southern pushed him all the way in the final though. Since moving to Coventry it's just been a case of doing the best I can with what little practise I can get, but hopefully I can get something sorted so I can practise regularly again, so if anyone's reading this who wants someone to practise with please don't hesitate to get in touch.I would like to congratulate Darren Appleton on winning the US Open for a second successive time, the man is a genius! Daz has been a good pal of mine for over 4 years, as we both started practising at Rileys Barnsley around the same time and along with Lee Rigby as well as George and Adam spent a lot of time helping me improve my game. I recently became sponsored by Black Heart tips, they have really helped give my game an edge especially when playing with spin/English and playing delicate shots. Also I've just sent my telescopic rest shaft off to Pot Black solutions, they adapt rest heads and rest shafts to make them quick release, it is an investment that will help me a heck of a lot. I advise all players, to have a look at their products if you have your own rest, especially fellow wheelchair players as the rests fit securely whilst also being really easy to switch rest heads.The BWPPA end of season rankings have just been published, although I didn't have the best event this time around I've managed to get into the top 10, which was my target at the start of the season, unfortunately when I moved house I had to miss the Midlands 9-ball Cup, otherwise I would have been 8th. With a bit of luck I can get back practising as much as usual within the next few weeks or months in time for me to get my head down ready for 2012 and possibly enter more open tournaments.Thanks for readingMatt

BWPPA Mersey 9-ball Shootout

2011-08-21T09:47:00.001-07:00

Saturday 20th August:

My first match was against Craig Welsh, I couldn't settle at all for the first 2 racks despite knocking some great balls in on the practise table before the match. Needless to say I went 2-0 down, I won the third making a long tricky 9 and I seemed to settle down from then on. 2-1 became 3-1, which then became 3-2. Neither of us played well but I always felt in the match despite losing 7-2.

In the one loss side I faced Shaun Madin, and to be honest it was a nightmare, my head was all over the place, I don't know why, probably tiredness but anyway I lost 7-0 and was pleased when it was over!

Sunday 21st August:
Challenge Cup

I had a bye and was to play the winner of Shaun Madin and John Greensmith. Madin was my eventual opponent and I felt the complete opposite to the Saturday, I felt good about getting a win, a place in the final and some pride back after the match the day before. I took the first rack after Shaun rattled a tough long 9 with the cueball tight on the rail. Madin took the next 3. I made it 3-2 taking rack 5 on three fouls. In the 6th I broke, Madin pushed out and I ran the 1-7. A safety bout followed, Shaun potted the 7 and 8 and I overcut the 9. The next rack proved to be the winning rack for Madin, it was the best rack of the weekend from my point of view pool wise, neither of us made bad mistakes, it was good quality pool. My last shot was on the rail, I attempted a long 7 which rattled and he potted the remaining 3 balls.

Since the main/challenge format of the tour began I always seem to play better on the Sunday, which is annoying because I'm not going to get where I want to be if that continues. Thanks to Sarahs Aunty Kath and uncle Kev for taking us. I really appreciate their efforts taking me practising and to the last two BWPPA tournaments.

On the way back down to Coventry now, hopefully I can get some regular practise before the BWPPA Dynamic British Wheelchair 9-ball Championship in October back at Rileys Wavertree.

Cheers

Matt

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

tupananchiskama

2011-07-29T06:49:00.001-07:00

As I write this I'm in the car on the way back from a weeks holiday with family in Devon. We were staying in a farmhouse almost identical to that of the ITV series The Darling Buds of May, there was no phone signal or Internet access which was quite refreshing.

There was 13 of us mum, both sisters Carmen and Sonia, Carmens partner Deepak, nephew Ethan, niece Lydia, mums partner Terry, his daughter Jane and also Mark Terrys son and his wife Emma, and their 1 year old daughter Charlotte who live in Australia and of course me and Sarah.

It's the first time I have met Mark, Emma and baby Charlotte. I spent the week with amazing people, drank plenty of alcohol and had some amazing laughs so who needs phone signal or Internet when you have that?

I highly recommend the Eden Project, and also not to be missed is the Big Sheep race featuring Red Ram, Sheergar and Wooly Jumper!

It's 3 weeks to go until tour stop #4 of the 2011 BWPPA tour the Dynamic Billiards Merseyside 9-ball Shootout at Rileys Wavertree so hopefully with the help of Sarah's auntie and uncle I can give the practise table some hammer.

A week after Wavertree the World 9-ball Championship for wheelchair athletes takes place in Kielce, Poland. I was offered a spot but I've done all the sums and I can't afford it and it's short notice to attract sponsors. I'm also trying to raise funds for a Peugeot Independence Premier from Allied Mobility, which would mean both me and Sarah can travel together in our electric wheelchairs.

Before I sign off I've also set up a fantasy football league, £5 entry fee winner takes all and I really need more entries. I'll post details on here shortly, or you can contact me on Facebook, Twitter or email me.

Until next time thanks for reading.

Matt x

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone4

2011-07-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks since my last post. Not much has changed, I'm still no further towards getting a PA I have been told I need to wait at least another 6 weeks. As I have said in previous posts this is really frustrating as I can't practise when I want, but Sarah's auntie and uncle have been great, taking me to practise whenever they can. The 2011 Wheelchair World 9-ball Championships have been announced for Kielce in Poland from 31st August-4th September, I have a place but I have until tomorrow to work out if I can afford it and find someone to go with. Hotel and flights will cost around £800 each which isn't bad, but I'm not 100% sure I can afford it. I've got a 4x6 Mcdermott cue case on it's way and I'm expecting my new set of Brunswick Centennial balls to arrive either today or Monday.

I will be disappointed if I can't make the Worlds as I think it's the first time it's ever been held in Europe and it's not often we get as many spots as we have. The BWPPA British Wheelchair 9-ball Championship has been confirmed it will be at Rileys Wavertree in Liverpool in October. It's nice to see my pal Elliott Sanderson doing well too, he recently beat Tony Pyne at MMTV and he's in Austria at the Euro tour, he's definately one to watch for the future.

With 6 weeks to go until the BWPPA Merseyside 9-ball Shootout I will be hoping to get a lot of practise in.

Thanks
Matt

British Wheelchair 10-ball Championship, Barnsley

2011-06-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend of pool it felt great to be back at Rileys Barnsley, in my opinion it is the best pool hall in the UK. Sarah's auntie and uncle took me up to Barnsley on the Saturday. So it was up at 6am, set off at 7:30am in time for the start, with the help of Sarah's mum.

I drew Phil Hendrickson in the first round, I missed a 10-ball in the third rack and missed balls at the wrong time lost 7-1. In the first round in the one-loss side drew a new player by the name of Arnie Chan, we both missed easy balls in the first 2 racks. I missed a cut on the 10-ball to go 1-1. He won a rack on 3 fouls I lost 5-1.

Challenge on Sunday: I drew my pal Gary Swift. I won the first 2 racks and made some great balls, both 10s were easy but I potted a great 9 in the first rack to get onto the 10, then we had a small safety bout on the 10-ball in the second. 2-0 quickly turned into 2-2, which then turned into me losing 5-2. In those last 3 racks I was snookered and Gary "swiftly" cleared up, so I have no complaints. I didn't make any unforced errors in those 3 racks and he made the balls simple.

As I said on a number of occasions throughout the weekend, in a lot of ways playing at Rileys Barnsley since I moved to Coventry felt like "coming home" George, Adam and all the staff feel like an extended family to me and it was a pleasure to play there again.

Next up for me is a lot of visiting to the hospital, as my girlfriend Sarah is still in hospital with a broken leg, then hopefully sort out a PA whilst practising for the next BWPPA tour stop in Liverpool in August.

I've moved up back to #12 which is where I was this time last year and I said, I want to make the top 10 by the end of the season. Let's see if I can do it with two events remaining!

For more info on joining the BWPPA or just attending an event to help rack the balls or watch please visit www.bwppa.org

Thanks

Matt x

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Craziness in Coventry

2011-06-09T04:34:00.000-07:00

Lots gone on in my world since the last post. I thought I had found a regular practise partner who lives just 5 minutes away from the flat and he was keen on starting to take American Pool more seriously, but over the last few weeks he seems to have vanished. Nobody has heard/seen anything of him, disappointed with that as I thought I could finally get back into regular practising, and for once with a good opponent oh well. Sarah\s auntie and uncle have been really good helping me get to and from Rileys but not sure on how often they'll be able to do that for, they're coming with me to the BWPPA British 10-ball Championship in Barnsley this weekend. I'm still hoping to employ a PA as soon as the council will let me, if I can get that sorted that should make practising easier.

Really enjoyed playing in the Snooker Legends event at Doncaster last week, I partnered Jimmy White, it was great. We're thinking of organizing some sort of event.

Sarah has broken her leg, she was transferring from her wheelchair onto the bed, so she has had to have an operation. We would both like to thank everyone for their messages of support!

I was in two minds about wether or not to play in the 10ball event this weekend as Sarah is in hospital, but she's encouraged me to play in it, and I can't wait to get back to Rileys Barnsley, those guys are like an extended family to me.

I've tried both Rileys clubs in Coventry. One club has the pool tables on the ground floor, but the tables are bunched up so close together there's not a lot of space around the tables for my wheelchair, and the other club have the American pool tables down stairs and apparently the lift to go down stairs doesn't always work, so not sure on which club will be my "home club" just yet.

Check back next week

Matt x

The Destroyer & the Whirlwind

2011-06-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Doncaster Dome were treated to a special appearance from their very own Destroyer during the 2011 Snooker Legends tour. As part of the show Matthew "the Doncaster Destroyer Lester" partnered the "Whirlwind" Jimmy White in a frame of doubles where they took on the 1980 World Champion "the Grinder" Cliff Thorburn and a raffle winner. After the event Jimmy White said "It's great to partner Matt, we're good friends, we're still undefeated and we'll take on anyone."

Matt is one of the biggest wheelchair cuesports stars in the UK, a Great Britain representative at international level!

Jimmy is without doubt a legend on both the snooker and pool table

Matthew and Jimmy are available for

snooker and pool exhibition matches

Trickshots

Public appearances

For booking enquiries please contact

Jason Lawrence of Cue King Promotions

jclawrence@live.co.uk

Or

John Callaghan

john@jimmywhirlwindwhite.com

The night also featured trickshots and impressions from John Virgo as well as a mini tournament between Cliff Thorburn, Dennis Taylor, John Parrott and Jimmy White, the event was refereed by Michaela Tabb.

For more information on Snooker Legends please visit www.snookerlegends.co.uk

Coventry and Beyond

2011-05-16T03:41:00.000-07:00

First 6 weeks living in Coventry have been good. Had to withdraw from the BWPPA Midlands Cup as I didn't have time to practise or anything as it was 5 days after I moved. I have found a new club Rileys Hertford Place in Coventry and I've found a regular practise partner, plus a few other good players who I'll be able to play now and again.

Sorry for the lack of posts only just got the internet put in, Sarah has been great she had to put up with the snooker for 17 days as we only have one TV at the minute! I went to watch Snooker Legends in Stoke on Saturday night with Sarah and two awesome friends we've made. I'll be playing at Snooker Legends in Doncaster on 2nd June which I can't wait for, just need to find a snooker club accessible to practise. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the BWPPA seaso, however I am disappointed I missed the Birmingham event, but I will be practising hard with the help of Craig and Clare and hoping to use the remainder of this season as a springboard for next season.

For more information on Snooker Legends in Doncaster please visit http://www.the-dome.co.uk/events/snooker-legends-doncaster-dome-south-yorkshire-2.html

Thanks

Matt x

Coventry tomorrow!!

2011-04-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm moving to Coventry tomorrow, where I have a flat with girlfriend Sarah. These last few weeks have been manic, trying to sort out everything and I'm still not sure everything is! There's been a lot of lumps in my throat as I've helped clear my stuff out, and a few tears, I'm sure there'll be a few more tomorrow too!

A huge thanks must go to George Vetters manager of Rileys Pool & Snooker Club in Barnsley, one of the best pool clubs in the UK, if not the bes, and now a friend for life! George and his staff at Barnsley have looked after me loads over the last 4 years with free table time and all in all a family feel and a great supporter!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared but I guess that's natural, and I'm more excited than scared in all honesty. As you may have seen on Pro9, Facebook and Twitter I'm looking for a regular practise partner in Coventry and a lift to Birmingham next Saturday and Sunday for the BWPPA Midland 9-ball Cup. It's tour stop #2 of the 2011 season and if I can't get transport I will lose much needed ranking points, so anyone who can help theres dinner and drink in it for the help! I've been quite lucky how the tour has worked out as tour stop #2 next week is in Birmingham 20-40 mins from flat in Coventry and tour stop #3 in Barnsley in June so I can go back home to mums.

As I write this I'm watching the conclusion of the Masters golf as mum has gone to rescue eldest sister who has broken down 15 miles from home in Nottingham, so lots of thinking time, but as I said before, more excitement than nerves. Anyway not sure when we'll get internet sorted in flat so next blog will be here in due course.

Thanks Matt
x

3 weeks to go 'til Coventry/Craziness

2011-03-19T05:58:00.000-07:00

Over the last few weeks life's been a bit mad for me. I haven't had time to practise, been busy sorting things out ready to move to Coventry and an issue that has been going on since July with Doncaster council. I'm not going to put everything on here about the "issue" but a few of my close friends know about it, and it really is getting me down now. On top of that, it's just over 3 weeks as I write this until I move to Coventry.

I would be lying if I said I am not nervous, but I'm more excited with a few nerves, I'm more nervous about getting all the stuff to do with employing a PA down there right than anything else. 5 days after I move it's the BWPPA Dynamic Midland 9-ball Cup at Rileys in Birmingham, Steve has been looking for another job and was supposedly starting a new job this Monday(21st March)that's not happening now, but apparently they may want to give him a third interview this week. As Steve is the main person who takes me to Barnsley to practise, I'm unsure how much practise I will get between now and when he starts his new job. Also I don't imagine I'll have much time to practise in that first week when I move and transport could be difficult.

For these reasons I am not 100% sure I will be able to play in the Birmingham event. Obviously I want to play in the event as I enjoy competing on the tour, and it will be my new local event! I've not missed an event since August 2008 in Norwich and that was because the car broke down! On top of that I could do with the ranking points as I continue to push up the rankings. I'm not counting myself out yet, I'll just have to see how things go over the next 2 weeks.

As the headline says it has been crazines over the last few weeks and I don't think I've ever been so stressed. I'm still not 100% sure on what's happening when I move down there, regarding the help I'm going to need, My hoist and bed were delivered to the flat a few weeks ago and the occupational therapist wants me to go down there and test it all out, but as we would need to arrange it at least a week in advance I'm not sure what to do about that.

It's got to the stage now where I've got lists of things I need to do, but I'm not sure I've wrote everything on the list that I need to do, if that makes sense? On the pool front I did my first national interview last week for the magazine Disability Now! It will be in the next issue which is out at the end of March/beginning of April. Anyway hopefully I'll have a spare few minutes to write one of these again in the next few weeks.

Thanks for reading

Matt x

Matt Lester news for week beginning 28th February 2011

2011-02-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

A news round up of all the goings on in the world of the Doncaster Destroyer!

Barnsley and Beyond

2011-02-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

The 2011 BWPPA season got off to a good start with the Northern 9-ball Open at Rileys in Barnsley on 5th/6th February. Only 12 players started the event which wasn't the best for the tour but regular players were either ill or had work commitments.

On a personal note I had a disappointing event, although I didn't play too bad. In my first match I drew Aslam Abubaker, as there was so fewer players some of the players outside the top 8 got a seeding. I had 2 chances in the match, I scratched on the 9-ball in the opening rack and then with ball in hand on the 8-ball in rack 3 I screwed the cue ball into the side pocket off the 8. Both mistakes are unforgiveable in any match but against Aslam you have to take your chances when you get them, and they were the only 2 I got he beat me 7-0.

I had a 3 and a half wait before my one-loss bracket match which I've ever had in any event but that's the way it goes. In the one-loss side I was up against Phil Hendrickson. I played him in October at the British Wheelchair 9-ball Championship and he broke and ran the first rack and he beat me 7-3/7-4 I can't remember. I found it tough to focus this time round though, I won the first rack, he won the next 2 and then in the fourth I had a cut on the 9ball into the corner, but somehow the white found it's way into a corner pocket at the other end of the table.

I played ok for the rest of the match but missed some silly shots I lost 7-1. Into the Sunday then and I got myself up for the Challenge Cup, I drew another Welshman Craig Welsh. To be fair it was a s**t fest on both parts but I missed more and he beat me 5-1. Down to #14th in the BWPPA rankings, It's so close between #9th and #16th that if one player out of those 7 had a great event, they would catapult up the rankings, in the same way that Aslam Abubaker and my pal Shaun Madin did after this event. One of these events it will be my turn and while ever I'm on the BWPPA tour and competing in all of the events it is just a matter of time, but I know I can't make the mistakes I did this weekend.

8 and a bit weeks to go 'til tour stop 2 the Midlands 9-ball Open in Birmingham. In between now and then Steve's going on holiday for 2 weeks on Thursday so I might find it hard to get to Barnsley for the next 2 weeks, plus there is no set date when I will be moving to Coventry but that's ongoing, plus there's some other issues that need sorting, so it's a busy time.

Thanks for reading, until next time it's byebye from me and it's byebye from myself

Matt

5 days to go until BWPPA 2011!

2011-01-31T11:40:00.000-08:00

Had a busy few weeks since last post, practising and sorting things out with the new flat in Coventry, plus sorting things out with Doncaster and Coventry councils. Had a busy day today emailing, phoning people and writing press releases for BWPPA. Had a meeting with Jason Lawrence of Cue King Promotions which was exciting, plus I got my Mcdermott Stinger NG05 jump/break cue. Hoping to practise for the rest of the week from tomorrow ready for BWPPA Northern 9-ball Open on Saturday/Sunday, as I've said before it should be my last event at Barnsley as my home club. I feel optimistic as always, I always look forward to the season opener, it's exciting times as there is just 30 ranking points between me in #13 and Craig Welsh in #10, and 65 ranking points between me and Karl Read who is ranked #8.

That is what makes the BWPPA exciting and I think it deserves much more coverage than what it gets, as Press Officer for the BWPPA I'm hoping to do something about that. Watch out for my next post on Monday or Tuesday.

Cheers

Matt

First week of 2011!

2011-01-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year? It's been a quieter start to 2011 than I would have liked, Steve my pa broke his arm over new year. I was hoping to start practising this week or next as the 2011 BWPPA season begins in Barnsley next month, but my practise has been delayed at least for 2 weeks, at least I'll get a few weeks practise before the season begins. I had to withdraw from the Darren Appleton 9-ball event at Rileys Barnsley on the 8th January because I couldn't afford the entry fee, but even if I could I wouldn't have been able to go because of Steve's arm, still the last time I checked there were 40 runners so not bad at all.

Went down to Coventry with mum and sister on the 2nd January to see Sarah + family and to see how the flat is coming along, it was the day before her birthday. We stayed for Sunday dinner which was lovely as always! Flat is beginning to look like a home now, laminate floor in, just waiting for sofa to arrive and for Doncaster council to pull their finger out and hopefully things will start moving quicker.

With the move and everything that goes with it, I feel that 2011 will be the defining year of my career. Money is bound to be tight, and on top of that it may be that practise becomes harder. I am determined however to make it work, cuesports has, and always will be a huge part of my life, I've had some helpful advise from Jimmy White, on how to combine pool with cohabiting, although some may say he isn't exactly the right man to ask!!! It is important that I enter all of the tour events if I want to improve and sustain my ranking, and develop as a competitor, but not just enter, it is imperative that I compete at the business end of tournaments. I have a life away from pool, but the passion I have for the sport takes up a huge chunk of my life, maybe sportsmen aren't ideal relationship material but Sarah understands how important pool is to me, but time will tell on what effect that has on us.

In the next few weeks I'm hoping to meet up with Jason from Cue King Promotions to discuss the future and to get my Mcdermott Stinger, also my wheelchair needs a refurb but usually a week after I get it back it's in the same state it was before I had it refurbed, also it's the World Snooker Shootout in Blackpool so hoping to go there.

I had flu just before Christmas, just starting to get better now, missed a few Doncaster Rovers games recently as well. We've got Wolves at home in the FA Cup on Saturday, we're still in with a shout of the playoffs in the Championship, we're 5 points off the team in 6th but we've got a few games in hand because of the weather.

A reminder for those that are interested, the BWPPA have scheduled 5 tour stops for the 2011 season:

5-6 February-Northern 9-ball Open, Barnsley
16-17 April-Midland 9-ball Cup, Birmingham
TBC-British 10-ball Championship, Barnsley
20-21 August-Mersey 9-ball Shootout, Liverpool
22-23 October-British 9-ball Championship, London
BWPPA 2011 Calendar

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2010-12-22T03:01:00.000-08:00

As another year passes by in just a fortnight, I feel it's time to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2010 has been considerably better than 2009, considering for the first half of last year I was riddled with an illness that medical professionals still don't know what it is, but at one point they thought I had lymphoma. I wouldn't wish those symptoms on my worst enemy.

For this reason 2010 marked "a fresh start" for me, Some people say "Pool is just a game, a hobby." They're right, but I'm passionate about it and I do take it seriously. Like us all, if I had the ability of a Darren Appleton, Karl Boyes or a Ralf Souquet I would want to earn a living from it, as I said like us all!

Going to Nottingham for Christmas and New Year, spending it with my mum, 2 sisters, nephew, niece and sisters boyfriend. My plans for 2011, at some point I'll be moving to Coventry, I've got a ground floor flat with my girlfriend, just need to sort some things out with Doncaster and Coventry councils before I can move.

Pool-wise I'll be looking to practise at either Rileys Coventry (Hertford Place) or Rileys Solihull. I'll be sad to leave Rileys Barnsley because George and the staff have really looked after me and it's got a strong community feel to Rileys Barnsley, but there are regular BWPPA tour events there. I'm pleased the BWPPA tour have moved from 4 to 5 tournaments for 2011, the fifth event will be 10-ball, instead of the usual 9-ball. I like 10-ball, but I struggle with the break, but I'll practise more 10-ball leading up to the event.

I'll begin practising at the start of the new year, there's an open 9-ball tournament at Rileys Barnsley on the 8th January that I'm hoping to attend, so that will be good match practise. The BWPPA season begins at the start of February with the Northern 9-ball Open at Rileys Barnsley, followed by the Midland 9-ball Cup at Rileys Birmingham (Essex Street) in April, then the British 10-ball Championship at Rileys Barnsley in June, Mersey 9-ball Shootout at Rileys Wavertree in Liverpool in August and then the British 9-ball Championship in October at Rileys Shepherds Bush in London.

In between those tour stops I would like to enter some open events, although I played in my first BWPPA event in April 2007, the 2011 season will mark only my third full season on the BWPPA because I didn't leave college until June 2008 and I had to miss some events due to that.

As I mentioned in my previous post Roy Kimberley has taken over from Matthew Gleaves as President of the BWPPA, with Tony Southern becoming Secretary, I wish them all the best!

Have a great time whatever you are doing over the festive period, see you next year (in a few weeks!!!)

Matt

New era for UK wheelchair pool

2010-12-16T05:20:00.000-08:00

My initial reaction when I heard Matthew Gleaves was resigning as BWPPA President was one of sadness. Matt gave me a lot of advice when I first started in the game and we've become great mates, as I have with many others in the game. I don't think anybody could have done a better job than what Matt did after the BPPPA folded, and for the last 2 years he has turned the BWPPA into a well known and respected professionally run tour for wheelchair pool players.

I'm not taking anything away from Ted Bristow and the BPPPA because whatever went on with his able-bodied tour, he gave the wheelchair players their first ever "proper" cuesport tour. Matt has got the tour some worldwide sponsors in Delta 13 racks, Dynamic Billiards, Predator/Poison Cues, Simonis Cloth, Talisman Billiards among others.

I have every faith in Roy Kimberley who is taking over as President, Roy as everyone knows has dominated wheelchair pool in the UK for well over the last 6 years, and you don't achieve that without dedication. I wish Roy every success as President and I would like to continue helping to promote the tour in any way possible.

We have a great calendar for 2011, and for the first time ever we will have a 10-ball event, which I am really looking forward to, as well as four 9-ball events.

I am looking forward to 2011 on the BWPPA already!

Thanks for reading.

Matt

Mosconi Cup 2010

2010-12-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Big Dave Knight www.pro9.co.uk

I was planning on doing daily posts whilst I was at the Mosconi, but on the Saturday and Sunday there was just enough time to eat in between the afternoon and evening sessions, wheras on the Friday I spent all day on my phone and watching films as the hotel wasn't near anything. I had a great 4 days it was worth every penny, not just being there and experiencing the Mosconi for real, but also catching up with friends I rarely get to see.

As Daz has said in the Pro9 forum the crowd were immense, the atmosphere was like nothing I have experienced before, and plus I got to watch the legends I look up to as a player up close and I got to meet a few as well, which was cool to say the least! I thought Dennis Hatch was out of order when he kept shouting out "the weak link" when Boyzi missed in his early matches, but he showed him only losing one match, but at the end of the day Hatch made his Mosconi debut last year, but one thing I did like about him was how he turned into a "pantomime villain" once he figured out what mistake he'd made. Apart from that and a few other small things it was played in a competitive but good spirited way.

I think once we went 8-6 up the Yanks knew they were fighting an up hill battle. As I've wrote on my Twitter and Facebook pages Daz and Boyzi have done British pool proud with their display. I have managed to watch some of the TV coverage since I got back and at one point Jim Wych and Jay Helfert said "everything Appleton touches is just turning to gold right now" and Jerry Forsyth said in one of his stints "This is the Karl Boyes show right now". The reaction on Twitter alone has been incredible, many English pool and snooker players are now saying they want to have a go at 9-ball, and it's all down to you 2 fellas.

It is a shame Sky don't show more live 9-ball, we all know that the World Pool Masters and World Cup of Pool are pre recorded and the highlights are shown on Sky, but it's never advertised, but I'm sure if they did another tournament, it would carry some sort of buzz amongst cuesport players and fans.

I could be here 'til Christmas listing which friends I met and the new friends I've made, but Frankie and Roy from the BWPPA were there for all 4 days, Nick Oliver also from the BWPPA was there on Saturday night with his parents, Pro9s very own Big Dave Knight was there and BWPPA photographer and tournament director Andy Warden was there, as well as loads of other GB9 players etc.

As you will know by now Europe took the cup with an 11-8 victory, I had a £5 bet on an 11-9 win at 8/1 but nevermind, I had a great 4 days, plus Luke Riches from Matchroom told me the Mosconi Cup will be back at the York Hall, Bethnal Green in 2012, I'm already saving up!

Thanks for reading & Merry Christmas

Matt

Mosconi Cup day 1

2010-12-10T06:44:00.001-08:00

We had a good drive down to London, there was a little bit of traffic but nothing major. My sat nav couldn't find the hotel, it's in the middle of nowhere to be honest and about a 20 minute drive to the York Hall.

We got to the venue at about 6:30pm, there Is no parking at the York Hall, so we had a bit of a walk to get there. It was great to catch up with friends as well. Fellow BWPPA players Roy Kimberley and Frankie Gillen were there, as well as quite a few players from GB9 including Imran Majid, Raj Hundal and Tony Drago. Pro9s very own Big Dave was there and I hear even more are arriving for tonights second session (Friday)

Now to the action Europe won the team match, but the Yanks won the doubles and the singles to lead 2-1, 4 matches were scheduled for day 1 but because the transmission ended at 11pm they couldn't play it, so Daz and Boyzi are first on tonight, but surely it will over run tonight if they are starting at 7pm and playing five matches rather than the scheduled four? But I am sure Matchroom Sport know what they are doing so who am I to argue?

So then 2-1 down, the atmosphere is great, the European fans are really getting behind the team, but one thing I have noticed is the Americans seem to have a bit more camaraderie during the matches Nick Varner seems to be encouraging more than Johan.

I can't wait for tonights session but I think we could do with leading, going into the 2 sessions tomorrow.

Below is a picture of my view of the action!

Thanks Matt

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Stephen Hendry v Jimmy White-a painful rivalry

2010-12-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

If you're a snooker fan the Hendry v White rivalry is one of the most compelling in the history of the sport. Davis v Hendry, Higgins v Davis, Reardon v Spencer are examples of some of the others. As a Jimmy White fan from a very young age, and in recent years a friend of "the Wind" it is a rivalry that has caused much heartache down the years. Combining my knowledge with books, magazines and stats from the web. I would like to revisit the history of the rivalry with the latest chapter just around the corner.

The four World finals is of course what the rivalry is most famous for, but until we get there, we have to travel back 24 years to 1986. Hendry's in his second professional season, White fresh from his first World ranking title victory in the Mercantile Credit Classic, there first world ranking tournament meeting at the Grand Prix, Jimmy wins 5-4.

There first Crucible meeting came 2 years later in 1988. In a second round encounter, that is regarded by many snooker fans as one of the greatest of all time. 19 year old Hendry versus a 25 year old White, both young attacking players and both destined to be World Champions. The match went all the way down to the wire and thrilled the Crucible audience and TV audience alike, trading frame winning clearances, the match featured hardly any safety play, before Jimmy went on to win 13-12. I've found the 24th frame on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHNGejnPyks

The pair met in a Masters semi-final at the Wembley Conference Centre in the early part of 1990 and sadly not the only time Jimmy lost in front of his home crowd 6-4. Now just a few months later, Jimmy's in his 2nd World Championship final in 6 years, he's beaten Steve Davis in an epic semi-final 16-14, but by all accounts Jimmy's safety game wasn't there in the final and Hendry becomes the youngest World Champ winning 18-12.

Later on in 1990 Hendry & White meet in another final the World Matchplay at Brentwood, Jimmy exacts slight revenge with a great performance beating Hendry 18-9, here's the closing stages of the final frame http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB5WQ5-LUI0

Another Masters semi-final, this time 1991 and Hendry's in devastating form this time breezing past the "Whirlwind" 6-1. Still in 1991 and this time at the UK Championship in Preston it's a semi-final, Jimmy wins comfortably 9-2 with a great performance.

1992 now and it's a third Masters semi-final, a close encounter this time but still no victory for Jimmy, Hendry wins 6-4.

Brace yourself, it's the 1992 World Championship, Jimmy White becomes the second player in history to make a 147 break at the Crucible, he does this during his 1st round match against the "Tornado" Tony Drago http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ifZglGgKGI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ifZglGgKGI he's having perhaps his most successful season, surely this is his year, this is the moment, at the end of the first day's play on his 30th birthday he looks in devastating form. Into the 4th session and he's 14-8 in front of Stephen Hendry. When White was 12-6 up BBC commentator Clive Everton said "Surely he's going to win it now". What happened next was, as much as it pains me to say it amazing, the mark of a true champion 14-8 down, Hendry reels off ten straight frames to win 18-14 here's the final frame http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd6O7jNLEQc

The 1993 World Championship final is a completely different story, I don't know and can't find anything about it other than it ended with a session to spare Hendry won 18-5.

1994 World Championship final, like the '92 final this was a classic. I was only 5 at the time, so I can't remember watching it but I've seen it since. Of course it is known for that black. Everytime I watch it I can't believe it, but Jimmy missed a black, off it's spot which would have given him the win, but he missed it. Hendry wins the World Championship for the 4th time and for a 4th time against Jimmy White with a scoreline 18-17. In his post match interview when David Vine says to Jimmy "What else can I say other than happy birthday?" Jimmy answers "He's beginning to annoy me!" here's the closing stages of the final frame http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fm3yIi5gfA

Hendry and White met again in the 1995 World Championship semi-final. Hendry is victorious again winning 16-12 making a 147 along the way http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8Hj3BUpyIE

1996 Masters quarter-final Hendry whitewashes Jimmy 6-0.

1998 World Championship 1st round If only I could find some video footage of this match. This was the first year Jimmy had to qualify for the World Championship, he draws Stephen Hendry in the 1st round. Jimmy fans are thinking oh no not again, Hendry and his fans are thinking he we go. It's Jimmy's best ever Crucible performance, and as a 9 year old. I was amazed, vintage Jimmy. Final score Stephen Hendry 4-10 Jimmy White.

That trouncing must have annoyed Stephen because he won the next 4 meetings

2001 Masters quarter-final 6-4
2002 Welsh Open 2nd round 5-1
2003 Masters quarter-final 6-4
2004 Welsh Open 2nd round 5-3

2004 Masters 1st round Jimmy was enjoying a comeback to form, suddenly he was back in the top 8 in the world and he was getting to the business end of tournaments, and he finally beats Hendry at the Masters 6-4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Sawl0C-pU

Now they have been drawn against each other in the 1st round of the 2010 UK Championship in Telford. Jimmy has had to win 3 qualifying matches, which he did beating Adam Wicheard 9-1, Adrian Gunnell 9-4 and Joe Perry 9-6. Jimmy has also enjoyed a good start to the season, and just a few weeks ago he won the inaugral World seniors Championship in Bradford. A tournament which featured over 50 players at the start aged 40+, a tournament Hendry withdrew from because, despite being almost 42 he doesn't consider himself a senior, should Hendry lose he will not be in the top 16.

Jimmy has already made the final stages of the World Open but lost 3-1 to Ronnie O'Sullivan an12d his feeling supremely confident, Hendry is fighting for his top 16 place. All in all it is shaped up to be a classic the first session is at 12:30pm on Sunday 5th December and played to a finish at 12:30pm on Monday 6th December. It will be live on the BBC red button, Eurosport and www.bbc.co.uk/snooker

7 days until the Mosconi Cup

2010-12-02T06:15:00.001-08:00

So the 17th staging of the Ryder Cup of Pool is just 7 days and a few hours away. Over the last week the country has been hit by record breaking levels of snow, even worse than last year, something I never thought could happen.

The teams have been named, the venue is set, and the betting is available on all major bookmakers websites. One thing that isn't set, is the Americans are not due to land until Monday and Tuesday (6th & 7th of Dec). From a spectators point of view will everyone who has purchased tickets brave the weather conditions? And even if they want to, will they be haulted due to the snow?

Personally unless the snow gets significantly worse making it virtually impossible to travel, I will do everything in my power to get there, not just because I have always wanted to go to a Mosconi Cup, and it's the first time in eight years it has been held in the UK, but also because my hotel is booked and paid for as is my tickets, although they haven't arrived yet.

Jimmy White has qualified for the UK snooker Championship and will play Stephen Hendry on Sunday and Monday. I'm waiting for the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts to be announced in an hour, I've been saving up since June!

Our boys are doing great in Reno at the World wheelchair 9-ball Championship, Roy Kimberley, Danny Luton and Matt Duffy are still in as I write, it looks like we've got a great chance of finally having a wheelchair World 9-ball pool Champion.

Thanks for reading, check back next week for Mosconi Cup related blog posts.

Matt x

2010 World 9-ball Championship for wheelchair players

2010-11-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish the very best of luck to Roy Kimberley, Danny Luton, Tony Southern, Matt Duffy and Craig Welsh. The 5 players who are flying out to Reno NV in the USA later this week for the 2010 WPA World 9-ball pool Championship for wheelchair players, held at the Peppermill Hotel & Casino. Despite the BWPPA being arguably the toughest wheelchair pool tour in the world, and dominating the European Championships in recent years, we have never had a British wheelchair 9-ball Champion.

I can't believe it, and I think in recent years the highest finish our boys have had is the semis (someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). I think the World Championship deserves more coverage than what it gets. The one and only time I competed in the Worlds in 2008 they had one table streamed live on AZ Billiards, but the last World Championship in Indianna, at the start of the year had nothing of the sort.

As always we have a strong team Roy the undisputed UK #1 since the BWPPA was founded in 2004, Danny recently a European 8-ball Champion, winner of the Darlington Cup this year and Challenge Cup in Birmingham and ranked #3 on BWPPA, Tony as I think reached 7 BWPPA main event finals and not managed to win one yet, the latest of those was the British Championship at the end of October in Barnsley where he lost to Aslam Abubaker, he's ranked #4 on the BWPPA and of course he is a double English 8-ball World Champion. Matt Duffy, Scotland's #1 wheelchair player ranked #6 on BWPPA, finalist at the Wavertree Open in August, always finishes at the business end of main events. And Craig is #10 on the BWPPA is a very capable player, always possible of causing an upset. Good luck lads, we're all behind you!

On a personal note, I haven't practised since the British Championship with Christmas coming up, saving up for the Mosconi Cup in less than 3 weeks! My McDermott Stinger has been shipped, I can't wait for it to arrive. If anyone knows of any stream for the World wheelies please let me know Cueboy88 on Pro9.

Thanks

Matt

Jimmy brilliant in Bradford!!!

2010-11-07T10:35:00.001-08:00

As I write this I'm in the car on the way home from Bradford, where I've watched my mate Jimmy White win the World professional Seniors snooker Championship. I've had a great weekend and thanks must go to the 1986 World Champion Joe Johnson and Dave Shipley for organizing a great event.

First up for Jimmy was 1980 World Champion Cliff Thorburn on Saturday afternoon, Jimmy beat him 2-0 comfortably. Next up on Saturday night we had a sportsmans supper, Indian food, one of my favorites. Jimmy was introducing me to legends of snooker and talking me up (cheers for that mate!) Up early on Sunday morning for Jimmy's semi against John Parrott, a repeat of the 1991 World final, it was best of 5 frames and Jimmy was 2-0 down, when all of a sudden Jimmy turned it on to win 3-2. Waiting in the final was 6 times World Champion Steve Davis, perhaps along with Jimmy a favorite for the title, and honestly it was the best I've ever seen him play. 3-0 up in a best of 7, but for feathering the cue-ball on the yellow it would have been 4-0 but Steve got one back and Jimmy won 4-1. An awesome win, I can honesty say I was more nervous than I have ever been playing.

It will be televised on Sky Sports over Christmas.

I've finished the year ranked #13 on the BWPPA disappointing but I will work hard in 2011 to get into the top 10.

Thanks see you soon

Matt x

2010 season ends in Barnsley

2010-11-02T02:22:00.000-07:00

Had a busy week last week, maybe the busiest week of the year so far. In between practising for the BWPPA British Championship and my challenge match against Frankie Gillen I went to Meadowhall (big shopping centre in Sheffield) on Monday, Coventry on Tuesday sorting out the new flat, Grantham on Wednesday visiting my aunty, and back to Meadowhall Friday morning, then went to Rileys in Barnsley at 3:45pm to practise before the challenge match at 5pm. I beat Frankie 9-5, although he gave me a 6 rack start, which I think is crazy but I certainly wasn't gonna turn it down!

When it came to the British Championship on Saturday, I drew my pal Shaun Madin in the 1st round. I played solid as I did all weekend but lost 7-4, into the one-loss bracket I went then, and I drew a BWPPA debutant Phil (don't know his surname) from Cardiff, a nice fella and a good player, first rack he broke and ran, we shared the next few racks but he beat me 7-3, same story as the match with Shaun Madin I played well but maybe rushed some "easy balls".

Challenge-Cup on Sunday morning:
Drew Haider, cut a long story short lost 5-3 same again, you guessed it played well, but this time it was the 9s I was missing. Played the best I have in a tournament since the 2009 British Championship last December when I drew Roy Kimberley. There's one common denominator in those facts and that is, those 2 tournaments were held at Rileys Barnsley my home club, however I think it's more than that I think, as well as being at Barnsley, the Cannon Aid and the win against Frankie helped. I'm pleased with my performance overall from the weekend, just not the results, but looking back I know what would have helped with those "easy shots". Anyway 3 months now 'til the 2011 BWPPA tour begins in Barnsley. The tour is moving upto 5 events next year which I'm pleased about, with the British Championship being held in London at Rileys Shepherds Bush, and a 10-ball event for the first time on the BWPPA at Barnsley, as well as the 9-ball event in February.

Until then though next weekend I'm going to Bradford to watch my mate Jimmy White in the World seniors Snooker Championship, I fancy him to win it but you would have to favour Stephen Hendry, I would love it to be a Jimmy/Hendry final, it's being pre-recorded and shown on Sky Sports over Christmas, then I'm going to the Mosconi Cup in December to watch Boyzi and Daz and the rest of team Europe do the biz. I've always wanted to go to a Mosconi and was gutted I couldn't afford it last year in Vegas. Writing the BWPPA report now, it should be on Pro9 in the next few days.

Matt

Cannon Aid-a welcome rest

2010-10-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

Morning all
On Tuesday morning I received an unexpected parcel, when I opened it I was delighted that it was a Cannon Aid (shown above). I have to say I was like a kid at Christmas, I couldn't wait to hit the road to go to Barnsley and practise with it, but I had an appointment, and my shaft was away getting a retip so I had to surpress the urge. I did go the next day, using my spare shaft after all that's what it's there for right? I loved it straight away. The biggest thing for me is that the middle groove is perfectly aligned with the centre of the cueball, unlike the black loop rest my uncle made for me which is slightly above centre, meaning previously I had to strike down on the cueball, also it's easier to get to the bottom of the cueball for screw shots.

Also I've played a couple of times with the Kamui super soft, first impressions are really good, it's lively with spin compared to my previous tip, but I like it. Cue King Promotions wise, Jason and the team have been busy designing a new website which looks great, be sure to check it out when it goes live!

This time next week I'll be battling it out in the fourth and final BWPPA tour stop for 2010 the British 9-ball Championship at my home club Rileys Barnsley. Steve on holiday this week, he wants to spend time with his family as it's half term, understandably, so my mum has said she'll take me practising this week when possible. My mum has been one of the biggest influences for me since I took up 9-ball, she was the one who told me to go for it, when I was inspired by watching wheelchair 9-ball videos on the internet four years ago, and she comes with me up and down the country for tournaments. This might be my last post before next weekend, wish me luck, see you next week!

Matt x

2 weeks before British Championship

2010-10-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Had a busy month off the table, kept having constant migraines, I don't usually have them so was hit for six when I had one for a month. Had some good feedback regarding getting a new rest, but more on that when I have things confirmed. Also things starting to look up in personal life, but will fill everyone in once a few loose ends are tied up. Pool-wise practising hard as always, but finally had enough of the tips I've been using for the past 2 years. Sending shaft off for a retip tomorrow having a Kamui Black Super Soft put on, heard very good things about them.

As the title says 2 weeks 'til the last tour stop on BWPPA for 2010 the British Championship at Barnsley. Always love playing there, not only because it's my home club but I think I speak on behalf of all the players when I see it's the best club in the country, and George, Adam, Alan, Laura all look after us. Big push in this event, after being so disappointed with what happened in Liverpool in August. Also need something to lift my confidence ready for the start of my third full season on BWPPA next year no better place to do it than Barnsley. In the mean time optimistic about the new tip, can't see the rest being sorted before Barnsley, but should have it before December hopefully plenty of time before 2011 season begins in February.

Be back next week
Matt

Need a rest

2010-09-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on what I've been upto. I've been looking to get a new rest made, as you probably know I play cuesports one handed due to my disability. My uncle made me the rest I currently use, and have done since 2004. He made it out of copper and it has started to bend in time, and it is also dinting and marking my shafts. I've been in touch with an inventor about making me a similar one out of brass, hopefully I will hear something soon.

Also I've celebrated my 22nd birthday, my mate's in Glasgow playing in the snooker World Open, unfortunately I couldn't get up their on my birthday when he played his first match, but I'm hoping to go tomorrow coz he's got the big 1! I'm still practising hard, looking forward to getting my new breaker, it should be here in a few weeks. Also I'm trying to find a job as a sports journalist, preferably in pool or snooker, there's plenty of voluntary work around but not paid work. Anyway, if anyone can help with any of the above, it will be much appreciated if you could get in touch (Cueboy88 on Pro9) Cheers Matt

Mcdermott Cues

2010-09-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to say that Mcdermott Cues have agreed to sponsor me. I have admired Mcdermott's products since I took up American pool and I am proud to be associated with such a well known brand in the sport that I love. From now on I will be breaking and jumping with Mcdermott's Stinger break/jump cue, I have my fingers crossed that it will arrive in time for the BWPPA British 9-ball Championship at Rileys Barnsley on 30-31st October. Thanks must of course also go to my agent Jason Lawrence and everyone at Cue King Promotions who have helped the deal go through smoothly. I've been busy practising all week, I downloaded a straight pool scoring app onto my Android phone so I've been trying it out, it's great. I like straight pool shame there aren't any tournaments.

ttfn
Matt x

Mobile blogging

2010-09-06T11:42:00.001-07:00

Just download an app onto my mobile so I can blog at tournaments etc. Just testing it out. Back practising tomorrow after my week off, my niece and nephew came over this weekend. Ethan my nephew has bought a ukelele so he was constantly playing it.

Also I've updated my website www.matthew-lester.com check it out!

Thanks

Matt x

Alex Higgins documentary

2010-08-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

I would like to remind everyone that on Wednesday 1st September 2010 there will be a documentary celebrating the life of the 1972 & 1982 World snooker Champion Alex "Hurricane" Higgins at 9pm on BBC 2. I had the pleasure of meeting Alex at the Dome in Doncaster in 2008, through our mutual friend Jimmy White, Alex didn't want to go back to the hotel so Alex was going to come back to my house with me and my sister, until he saw we had a Nissan Prairie and he said "I'm not f*****g getting in that!" It was a very funny moment, and I will always treasure the photograph and memories of that night in Doncaster. Like many people I was inspired to play the game by Jimmy, and then when I saw old footage of "the Hurricane" he was just something else, Without Alex, there would be no Jimmy White or Ronnie O'Sullivan, or maybe even snooker as we know it. So thanks for the pleasure you have given us all Alex.

Matt x

Liverpool & BWPPA Wavertree Open

2010-08-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

Afternoon! Finished writing my Wavertree Open report for the BWPPA this morning after a few false starts yesterday, but here's my take on the weekend. When I woke up on the Saturday morning I realized for the first time ever that I hadn't packed my shoes so I quickly sent a text to Matt Gleaves who gave me the go ahead. In my first match I never really got going, I got beat 7-2 by Gary Swift, current English 8-ball World Champion for wheelies, had one highlight in the match which was my shot of the weekend, I made a long 8-ball came off 2 cushions with right hand side to bring the 9 off the side rail leaving it over the pocket and while that happened I did 6 hand stands while wheeling around the table!

So into the one-loss side and I had to play Karl Read, I've played him twice in main events before he beat me 7-0 in Wavertree last year and 7-1 at Birmingham in February, great. First rack he runs the table but misses the 8, I pot the simple 8 followed by the 9, 1-0. Rack 2 same pattern again, this time he runs to the 9 loses position, plays a safety and I catch the 9 far too thick it goes off the head rail, side rail into the side pocket 2-0 to me. Before I know it I'm 4-0 up. I've never been more than 2 racks ahead in a tour match since I played my first event in April 2007. He wins the fifth rack on 3 fouls, and from then the match turned. I'm not moaning because Karl played well and he showed why he is a European and US Open Champion, in the end he beat me 7-4, I'm not gonna sit here and say that happened, this happened, what if blah, blah blah.

I played and felt the best I ever have in a tour match for the majority of that match, even when Karl was coming back. One thing I didn't do was think I had the match won at 4-0 up, I knew Karl would come back because I've seen him do it before, I kept saying to myself "You've still got to win the match", credit to Karl though he had to dig in. I was disappointed, but as I say I played the best I ever have on the BWPPA and I kept calm and composed which is a big thing for me. I've dropped down a place to #13 in the main rankings, disappointing but I will start practising again next Tuesday, I need to put some more silicone on the bridge I use for shots off the rail, I will do that on Monday, leave it to dry ready for Tuesday.

I know I have the ability to prove a few doubters wrong. I've said since last year, I think I should be in the top 10 at least, but at the end of the day I've not got the results, but I work hard and I will continue to do so, I've gone from playing my worst in a tournament, which was last week at the Barnsley 8-ball, and my best up to now at the BWPPA in Wavertree, so there's two lessons that I can build on, the next BWPPA event is 30-31st October British Championship at my home club Rileys Barnsley.

Away from pool, I went to see the Bootleg Beatles with my mum on Saturday night at the Philarmonic Hall in Liverpool, I'd seen them on TV before and their tag of being "the worlds best tribute band" is justified, to the point where if you listened to a Beatles CD and then went to watch the Bootleg Beatles, without knowing the difference, you would believe you were actually watching the real Beatles it was a great night, and I would see them again. Also went around Liverpool city centre on Sunday afternoon, me and mum booked a table at Piccolino's Italian but, on the way there we realized they'd closed most of the roads because there was a festival on. After an hour we finally got to our destination and afterwards listened to some of the music. I've never seen so many people in a city centre, only at football matches and gigs.

Anyway until next time Ciao!
Matt x

Image courtesy of Andy Warden of Belleza Photography

Busy week

2010-08-27T05:50:00.000-07:00

I've had a busy week. I entered the Barnsley Open 8-ball tournament at Rileys Barnsley, I entered the event hoping for some decent match practise as it was the week before tour stop 3 of the BWPPA season, and I like 8-ball so I entered. Played really well the fortnight before the event in practise. I was clearing the table and relearning the game, everything seemed hunky dory and I was really looking forward to it. However I got to the club at 10am for practise and I couldn't hit a barn door, so I set up some very basic drills just to get my arm going, I wasn't happy but satisfied. In my group I got the Rileys Barnsley manager George Vetters, BWPPA Chairman Matthew Gleaves, Shane Appleton and James Kay, I played shocking, the worst I think I have ever played in a tournament, but I learnt a lot about myself as a player and that's 1 positive I can take from the experience. Credit to Lee Rigby for organizing another great event, everything went smoothly from what I saw and I think everyone enjoyed a great days pool.

I'm setting off for Liverpool shortly for the BWPPA Wavertree Open this weekend at Rileys Wavertree, as I said I played bad last weekend, I've been practising this week and I'm mentally back in shape, there's only 2 BWPPA events left this year so I want to finish strong to give myself a springboard for 2011.

Away from playing, I've booked my tickets for the Mosconi Cup in December at the York Hall, I've always wanted to go to a Mosconi ever since I first saw it in 2001, Daz invited me to go to Vegas last year, I was going to go up until a few months before, when I figured I couldn't afford the flights, looking forward to going this year, hopefully we can regain it on home soil.

Anyway must dash head off, watch out for the next installment on Monday or Tuesday.

Keep shooting straight

Matt x

image courtesy of Andy Warden of Belleza Photography

2010-08-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Just got in from my first practise session since the black out at Rileys Barnsley, hitting the ball well and really enjoyed it, to be honest I've been enjoying my game since tour stop #2 of the BWPPA in Darlington. I've been practising 8-ball recently, in preparation for the 8-ball event this Sunday at Rileys Barnsley.

Like a few people on Pro9 I'm surprised there aren't many runners in the event. I appreciate people have to work, and no doubt there will be a few people reading this thinking that I can talk, but, the only reason I don't enter more open tournaments is transport. Especially the weekly events at Vegas Bar in Wakefield. I would love to go maybe every other week but I just can't get a lift. Anyway, I'm in the middle of a busy period pool wise Barnsley Open 8-ball on Sunday and tour stop #3 on BWPPA next weekend in Liverpool at Rileys Wavertree, second time I've played there it's a nice club, I especially like the balcony and the way it feels like you're playing in a pit. I'm looking forward to it. I want a big performance in Liverpool and in the last event of the year at Barnsley in October, to give me a spring board for 2011.

In all honesty I'm fed up of not getting the results a player of my ability should be getting, but there's only one person who can control that!

Until next time stay safe, and shoot straight!

Destroyer x

image courtesy of Andy Warden of Belleza Photography

Lights out at Rileys Barnsley

2010-08-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Rileys, after being there for around an hour they had a power cut. Unfortunately I was at the bottom end of the club so wasn't near a window. Tried to play for a bit, but it was pointless. I'm sure George and co will sort it either today or tomorrow. Practised 8-ball today for the first time in ages. Really enjoyed it 'til the lights went out, met a new fella who wants to learn the game. He was in with his 2 boys, seems enthusiastic would like to give hime a few racks. Had a look at the forum on Pro9 about the Barnsley Open 8-ball, hopefully more people enter, it's the best pool hall in the UK in my opinion, although I might be biased! Anyway until next time I'm signing off.

Peace.
Matt x

Welcome to my blog

2010-08-15T04:20:00.000-07:00

Hi people

Welcome to my new blog, I've been thinking about it for ages but I've finally decided to bite the bullet and share my thoughts and let you know what's happening in my world.

It won't all be pool related, some people I come across have the idea that, that's all I do but shock horror it's not! Went to the Keepmoat Stadium yesterday to see Doncaster Rovers first home league game of the season against Bristol City in the Championship. I prepared for the wind and rain as forecasted but, ended up sopping wet through with sweat, also didn't take my sunglasses so couldn't see the other side of the pitch. That turned out to be a blessing coz I didn't have to see Bristol's goal! We snatched a point thanks to a last minute pen from Billy Sharp.

Looking forward to the Barnsley Open 8-ball event at Rileys Barnsley next Sunday, it will be my first 8-ball event since October 2008, I like 8-ball but there aren't many 8-ball events, but I suppose the trend is with 10-ball at the minute.

It's just a few weeks now until tour stop #3 of the BWPPA tour, not done very well so far this season but it's my first tour event since I signed with Cue King Promotions, I've never had a management agency backing me before, so I'm optimistic that it could really help my pool career take off.

Family are away my mum's in Australia, she's gone to visit her friends son, who has just got a brand new baby daughter Charlotte, it's the winter over there, but still Oz will be nice I would love to go. My eldest sister is in Montego Bay with her partner, and where did I go on holiday? Filey! In a caravan at Primrose Valley! Think that says it all really. So I'm looking after the cats for the next 2 weeks. At least my pa Steve is around, so he can annoy me and drive me to Barnsley so I can practise and play in the torny next week.

I want to play in as many open tournaments as I can, but it would be exstortionate for me to get the right car I need, as I can only really use my right hand, so I have to rely on other people or public transport to get me from A to B.

Anyway, I'm going to watch Forest v Leedss

In a bit

Peace & love
Matt x

image courtesy of Andy Warden of Belleza Photography