2009 Island Magic Touch Singles
The 2009 Magic Touch Island Singles Trophy was won by Matthew Pinel who, now16 years old, repeated his success of two years ago!
The 24 players were drawn into 4 groups and played each in their group. Matthew stormed through the yellow group unbeaten, his closest challenge coming from Darren Le Brun whom he only beat by one point. Apart from his defeat by Matthew, Gordon De Gruchy won the remainder of his games and finished with the biggest points difference of +23. Helene Retrosi won 3 of 5 and only lost to Matthew and Gordon to 10.
Keeping it ‘in the family’ Matthew’s dad Keith won four of his five games in the blue group and was only defeated by Rosie Boleat (13-12). Rosie in turn won 3 games and was just beaten by Jeremy Grigg by a single point. Michel Morel also won 3 and his two losses were close affairs to 11 and 12 points.
Four of Mick Cotillard’s games in the green group resulted in scores of 13-11 – two in his favour and two against. Both Ken Vibert and Ian Foster also won 3 of their four games but it was Keith Boleat who topped the group with four wins, only losing to Mick by 11-13.
The surprise perhaps was the performance of Toby Northern, competing for the first time in the Island Singles. Having starting playing recently in the Condor Lunch Time leagues for Bounce-a-Lot, Toby placed with accuracy and won 4 of his games and was just beaten by Niall Fennessy who won 3 along with Neil Selby. Another new player coming through from the Condor league, Andrew Le Breton also performed well with two wins.
The semi finals saw Keith Pinel taking on son Matthew; the first time a father and son challenge has taken place in the championships. By now the rain which had been threatening all morning, was steady making playing conditions uncomfortable. Matthew started well and gradually pulled away from Keith and completed a convincing win 13-6.
The second semi final was between Toby Northern and Keith Boleat. Toby’s placing gained him a 4-0 lead before Keith took 2 points. Toby kept in front and then found himself at 8-4 ahead. A couple of close misses when firing, left Keith unable to beat Toby and their score was also 13-6.
In the final both Toby and Matthew placed well; however the superior firing by Matthew made the difference between the two players. In the pouring rain it was young Matthew who took the honours and the trophy from the less experienced Toby, who can be very proud of his performance in his début championship.The trophy was presented to Matthew by Brian Heard on behalf of sponsors Magic Touch.
Lots of photos in the Gallery - take a look!!