GC B-Level Series - Ryde Tournament
[<<] [>>] by Roy Tillcock
at Ryde
10th May 2018
(GC)
Ryde's claim to be the lucky loser's location of choice was further established by the success of local player Nick Westmore in the third of this season's B-Level series.
Nick edged out John Skuse from 5th place by the narrowest of margins after the five preliminary rounds and was delighted to find himself promoted to 4th following the unfortunate retirement of Louise Taylor (equal 3rd).
Brian McCausland, the only player at this stage with a 100% record, lost his semi-final 7-5 to Nick who went on to play Michael Manning in the final; Michael having beaten Ryde's Vernon Gibbs 7-3 in the other semi.
Both finalists had met in the first round of the day with Nick inflicting a heavy 7-1 defeat. Michael, however, had reached the final without further loss and both players quickly realised this game would not be a repeat. Michael took an early lead but allowed Nick to quickly regain the initiative which he held to gain a final 7-5 victory.
Final placings (from 14 entrants):
1st Nick Westmore,
2nd Michael Manning (Colchester 6pts),
3rd Brian McCausland (Nailsea 4pts),
4th Vernon Gibbs (2 pts).