Right on Cue

Bradford No1 snooker captain Kevin Firth reached the last 16 representing England at the EUROPEAN MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP in Latvia.

Firth safely negotiated the group stage despite a couple of hiccups. He beat Welshman Dean Tomas 3-0 in his first match but lost by the same score to former Leeds professional Alan Trigg, who now resides in and represents Ukraine.

Normal service was resumed with another 3-0 victory over Lithuanian Darius Bublys, which included a clearance of 104, before finally losing 3-1 to Brynjar Valdimarsson of Iceland.

Firth’s two wins proved enough to qualify for the knockout stages and in the last 32 he was paired with Danish international Rune Kampe.

Both players showed good form but it was the Bradford player who progressed with a 3-2 verdict.

This meant a last-16 meeting with England team-mate and nemesis Steve Judd, who beat Firth in the 2011 English final.

Firth took the opener, Judd levelled and at the interval there was still nothing between them at 2-2. But despite Firth playing some good snooker, Judd used his vast experience at this level to grind out a 4-2 win.

The experience was nevertheless invaluable for Firth, who is looking for a big season next time out to cement his place in the England side for the autumn home nations competition.

* Bradford billiards’ prestigious MOORHOUSE SHIELD team final takes place at Chapel Green Liberal Club tomorrow night (7.45pm).

It features Lilycroft WMC against Clayton Rugby B, with spectators welcome.

* Presentation nights take place next week for two local leagues.

The DUDLEY HILL B DIVISION event will be held at East Ward Labour Club on Monday, with the CONSERVATIVE LEAGUE annual awards taking place the following night at Shipley & District Social Club on Saltaire Road (£4 including supper).