NORTHERN IRELAND NEWS

West Belfast Classic

Davy Elliott made it three ranking events in a row when he won the
West Belfast Classic, sponsored and played at the West Social Club.
Davy played excellent billiards throughout the tournament, beating
local player Sammy Clarke by 32 points in the 600 up final, making
breaks of 89 and 60.

Clarke had caused an upset in the semi-finals by defeating title holder,
Paddy Donnelly 500-403, aided by a break of 104. In the other semi-
final, Elliott defeated Tony Buttimer running in the tournament top
break of 218. Other century breaks in the competition came from John
McIntyre (154) Joe Harvey (128), Tony Buttimer (117) and Paddy
Donnelly (137 & 100). The prizes were handed over by West Chairman,
Eamon McConagle, and the event was followed by a buffet and cabaret.

Premier Billiards Classic

Paddy Donnelly halted Davy Elliott’s run of success, turning on a
brilliant display to retain his “Premier Classic” which was sponsored
by Savoury Foods and Snooker Ireland.

In the best of five 150 up games, Paddy narrowly took the first by just
16 points, aided by a break of 79. He then clinched the title with a
break of 86 unfinished in the next game and 54 and 96 unfinished in
the third. Elliott managed to accrue a total of just 23 points in these last
two games. Paddy also lifted the top break prize with 131 in the top 8
section.