Good showing from Manx in Euro Champs debuts

For the first time ever, Isle of Man snooker has been represented in the European Under-21 Championship and the European Team Championship, both of which were held recently in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Fifteen-year-old Darryl Hill competed in the under-21s, his first event at this level.

This is a prestigious competition run by the EBSA, from which the winner gains his professional status.

There were 75 entries from all over Europe and as far afield as Israel and Russia.

Darryl finished second in his group to secure a place in the knock-out stages.

He beat 17-year-old Mario Amza from Romania 3-1 with clearance breaks of 70 and 86.

This ensured Darryl a place in the last 32 where he was up against 19-year-old Michal Zielinski of Poland.

Michal, a player in the competition for several years, showed good form and experience and had a convincing 4-0 victory over Darryl.

Following this was the European Team Championships, in which Darryl was joined by Dave Addinall and Peter Kirkham.

The Isle of Man was one of 24 three-man teams to enter.

In the group stages the team had excellent wins over Bulgaria (3), Belarus and Switzerland and narrowly lost to England and Poland, which was enough to see them through.

In the knock out stages they came up against France, who were seeded eighth, one ahead of the Manx.

They just missed out 2-1, with the match being decided on the black ball in the last frame of the deciding match.