The NIPA has 2 new Individual Champions. In the 147 Club, Omagh Steven Carson from Carrickfergus took the Under 23 title and Steven McGurn from Omagh won the Under 18 crown.
The Under 23s drew an entry of 23 runners and Carson made it through to the Final with wins over Mark McDonald 5-1, 2012 Champion Warner Johnston 5-2 and Ryan Martin 5-3. Awaiting him was Barry Cunningham who made it courtesy of wins over David Kernoghan 5-0, William Irvine 5-1, Neil McFaul 5-4 and Steven Mcgurn 5-3. It was a tight affair in the final in the best of 11 and after 8 frames the scores were tied at 4-4. In frame 9 a superb B&D by Cunningham put him on the hill, but Carson answered with a classy B&D of his own to take the match to a deciding frame. Cunningham broke but unfortunately went in off. It was to be his last shot of the match as Carson took out an improbable 8 ball clearance for game set and match and the £120 winers cheque. Both Finalists can be proud of themselves for their part in a great matchFrames
Carson, Cunningham, Carson, Cunningham, Carson, Carson, Cuningham, Cunningham, Cunningham, Carson, Carson
The Under 18s produced another classic as local lads Steven McGurn and Carl Martin went head to head in the Final. Martin had already seen off the challenge from the 2012 Winner Declan Duff and a great final was anticipated. They didn't let us down and once again we had a final frame decider. Martin was early favourite but slowly but surely McGurn turned it round and when he got his chance he finished with style to become 2013 NI Under 18 Champion.
Frames
McGurn, McGurn, Martin, Martin, McGurn, Martin, Martin, McGurn, Martin, McGurn, McGurn
In the photos
Top - Winner Steven Carson (left) with Under 23 'A' Team Manager John Lowry and Runner Up Barry Cunningham
Bottom - Winner Steven McGurn (left) with Under 23 B1 Team Manager Alec Irvine and Runner Up Carl Martin
Many thanks from the NIPA go to Damian Corrigan and his staff in the 147 Snooker & Pool Club
