Talmondt back on top in Cuestars title bid

Mike Talmondt is close to retaining his Cuestars south of England seniors tour title after bouncing back from his worst ever performance on the 40-plus circuit.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Apr 2016, 07:00 BST
Mike Talmondt. Picture: Tim DunkleyMike Talmondt. Picture: Tim Dunkley
Mike Talmondt. Picture: Tim Dunkley

The ex-professional from Portsmouth claimed his third tournament win of the season in the sixth leg at Woking Snooker Centre.

He defeated Southampton’s Ram Birring 2-1 in the final to replace Matt Ford at the top of the rankings.

‘I’m happy to get a win,’ said Talmondt.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘I had a bad last two tournaments. I didn’t even get out of the group in Chandler’s Ford!’

The 43-year-old broke the back of the first frame with a 48 break.

He then went on a run of 28 in the next from a fluked red that missed a black corner pocket, careered back down the table, cannoned the brown on its spot and disappeared into the yellow pocket.

But Birring, also 43, squared the match with a well-crafted green to black clearance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the decider Talmondt cleared the table for 69, the highest break of the day.

‘We both had chances and both missed silly balls,’ he said.

‘But it was a good game. I was happy to clear up in the last frame.’

It was a big return to form after Talmondt had lost in the last eight in Swindon and then failed to get out of the group at Chandler’s Ford, for the first time in his 11 senior tour outings.

Now he will wrap up the title if he finishes higher than fifth in his group in the final round at the Crucible Sports & Social Club, Newbury, on Sunday, April 24.

– tim dunkley

Related topics:EnglandPortsmouthSouthampton