ABC#2 2026/27

Determined Dazza displays grit and class to win the ABC-2 title at Halifax!

Darren Kell showed a masterclass of grit, determination and good quality billiards to sail through the field and win today’s ABC at Halifax Snooker Club. Darren won the final 240-177 against Rob Hall with a top break of 91 in the final!

Darren Kell’s route to the final included wins over Neil Forsyth, Richard Sutton, Adam Clarke (Last 16), Richard Whittle (Q/F) and Peter Atkinson (S/F). Kell scored 405, 365, 323 and 354 in his opening four games in comprehensive wins with 10 breaks over 50. He displayed a battling display in his 195-87 semi final win over Peter Atkinson.

Rob Hall cruised to the final with wins over Eva Palmius, Dean Manders, Matt Peaker (Q/F), and Nathan Mann (S/F). Hall had a top break of 224 in his 614-72 win over Manders. He had other visits of 126 and 114 in this match. In the semi-final he defeated Mann 274-165 in a scrappy affair.

Nathan Mann had wins over Chris Achilles, Terry McAdam and Tony Cooke on the way to the semi finals with a top break of 84. Peter Atkinson had a great run with victories over John Hughes, Mark Hirst, Alan Norwood and Joe Maloney, including 5 breaks over 50 and a top visit of 72. Other quarter finalists included Peaker (Vs Hall), Cooke (Vs Mann), Maloney (Vs Atkinson) and Whittle (Vs Kell).

The plate was won by the classy John Hughes with a 264-188 win over Chris Achilles, with efforts of 99 and 71 in the final. Hughes had a good win over Craig Fitzpatrick in the semi finals (199-176) with an effort of 64. However his best break came in the quarter finals with a fantastic 196 against Julian Hodge.

Chris Achilles did well to reach the plate final with wins over John Bedford, Les Bird, Richard Sutton and Ron Bickerdike on the way to the final. A break of 56 was vital in his 260-171 win in the semi-final.

A notable mention goes to Joe Maloney for his 92 break in his 340-140 win over David Peaker. Peaker himself performed well with a win over Chris Taylor first round with breaks of 69 and 53.

We thank Halifax Snooker Club, and Chris Wood today for their great hospitality, and holding a good quality event with 38 entries. Next up for the EABA will be the English Amateur Qualifiers on the 25th October across Mill Brow, Derby and Reading.