Don Beck writes:
A full entry of twenty four players assembled at sunny Surbiton including two from Sweden , Anders Moldin and Jonatan Andersson. The format is two blocks of twelve, all play all, with the top two competing in a semi final for a place in the final.
Each year with such a tough competition there is always a surprise with top players not finding their form this early in the season. Unfortunately for him this year it was Pierre Beaudry who suffered, quickly falling out of the reckoning. The eighth and last round on Saturday evening was decisive in Block B. Chris Sheen having already beaten Pierre could not reproduce such form and lost quickly to Jonatan leaving the way open for Lionel to join Jonatan in the semi.
Block A. Will Gee and Surbiton player Howard Cheyne, who usually performs well in the event, progressed with little trouble though there was a notable victory for David Bell who did beat Will 7-4.
In the semis, Will with a first game credit from the block, quickly disposed of Howard (7-2) 7-5. From Block B Jonatan overcame the loss of the block game to beat Lionel Tibble (4-7) 7-5, 7-5.
In a single 19pt game Lionel secured third place beating Howard 10-8
The final was a long battle with accurate play and excellent clearances. Will in very good form for April was made to work for the win. 7-5, 7-5. Will qualifies for both the Ascot Final and also the First London Golf Croquet Masters. (Congratulations to Patrick Knight who gained a handicap reduction from 8 to 7.)
Full details on CroquetScores.com including a commentary of the final – thanks to Tim King.
| Updated 2.vii.22 |
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