Largey causes huge upset to seal famous individuals win

Largey causes huge upset to seal famous individuals win

6 March 2013

GERALD Travers from the St Mary’s club in Newcastle was bidding for his fourth individual title when he played 21 year-old Dean Largey from the St Michael’s club, but the new kid on the block turned the tables on the tournament favourite.

Largey, who had only played one league match all season, came through the toughest half of the draw in defeating Stephen Byrne in the quarter-finals and then Eamon Ferris in the last four.

The St. Michael’s club was filled to capacity with most of the home supporters cheering on young Largey.

When the opening frame got underway it was noticeable that Largey showed no nerves against such a talented opponent. Receiving 42 points on handicap, Largey increased that to 52 with an early 10 break.

Travers hit back with a 20 break and then added a useful 23 break to be only five behind after Largey was unfortunate to be fouled using the long rest.

A fluked red out of a superb snooker behind the black yielded eight points to put Largey 13 ahead after potting the black.

Travers then unluckily gave away six with a foul on the pink to put Largey 19 in front.

Despite Travers potting the yellow it was Largey who coolly potted green, brown and blue for the first frame.

It was now important for the overwhelming favourite to win the second frame. But again it was Largey who started the better and a nine break increased his advantage to 51.

Although Travers reduced the deficit to 30 with a 21 break, Largey was now potting for fun and breaks of 13 and 10 put the young St. Michael’s player 49 in front. Travers’ supporters were now beginning to worry. Even so, a 24 break reduced the deficit to 25 with only 25 remaining.

Largey potted the green to go 28 in front, leaving Travers needing two snookers. Travers potted brown and then tried his best with some superb snookers, but Largey got out of them all and then when he potted the blue Travers conceded to leave the young pretender two up.

Travers broke off in a must-win third frame. After a great bout of safety Largey increased his advantage to 50.

Despite Travers only reducing the deficit to 38 with seven reds left, Largey virtually sealed the championship with a timely 16.

A further break of five put Largey 59 in front. Travers then went in off the pink to leave the St. Mary’s player struggling and despite a closing break of seven, he soon offered his victorious opponent a handshake.

League chairman Seamus McGivern congratulated Largey and commiserated with Travers. He also congratulated Colin Flanagan on having the table in immaculate playing condition.