Fans of quality attacking snooker were served up a treat in the final of the recently completed Club Vista A Grade Snooker Championship.
The tournament, which attracted an invitation field of 16 top class players, was played at the Club Vista venue at Paraparaumu Beach.
Included in the line-up were former National Snooker Champions Harry Haenga and Steve Robertson, the ever brilliant Jack Lemon and former winners Ron Wilkie, Craig Steinmetz and Brent Wells.
The final featured two superb attacking players, Cody Turner who plays out of the Porirua Club and Club Vista member and 2016 champion Ian McDonald.
The best of seven frame final saw both players attacking at every opportunity and it was McDonald who had the best of these exchanges with some superb potting as he built a handy lead. However Turner had his chance late in the frame and took it in style as he potted the last three reds and colours to the pink to seal the frame.
Frame two went to McDonald whose fearless potting saw him record a 45 break early on and he went on to win 60-27.
The third frame was a classic. McDonald got in early with a fortunate red off a long safety shot and made that pay as he put together a quality break of 46. The response from Turner was all class as he took on a long pot red before making the winning break with an 88 clearance.
Frame four saw the two continue their attacking play but it was Turner on the scoreboard first with a run of 35. McDonald continued to attack with long pot attempts but twice left a red in the jaw and Cody Turner was relentless with the frame eventually conceded as the 19 year old sealed the title.
Leading up to the final, Turner had been in good form, beating Peter Bevins 2-0 before his semi’s 2-0 win over Mark Hannah. McDonald’s road to the final saw him beat defending champion Brent Wells 2-0, before ousting Harry Haenga in the semi final.
The plate competition final saw Steve Robertson prevail 3-2 in a close battle with Jack Lemon.
Turner says he was pleased with his performance and paid tribute to Haenga who is his coach.
“I started playing when I was 15. Harry is a marvellous coach and is my biggest snooker influence along with Neil Robertson (former World Champion).
Turner says he likes to play an attacking style and that showed in the final.
“Ian also plays attacking snooker so it was a tough game. I had to play well to win and I had also had to be in top form to beat Mark Hannah and Peter Bevin earlier.”
Turner has ambitions to play professionally. “Yes, that’s the plan, but for now its back to the practice table.”
Tournament organiser Chris Barnett says he was pleased with the quality of the final and the standard throughout.
“We had a great field of players and the final was quality. Covid-19 has thrown the season into a bit of chaos and the Nationals have been postponed so get this top class line-up is a real bonus.”
Mr Barnett says the players and organisers were all grateful to the hosts Club Vista and the sponsors Jeff Pilcher Upholstery, Kāpiti Chimney Sweep, and Kāpiti Park and Sell.
