Andy Symons-Rowe the 22 years old Snooker star from Tavistock swept aside all comers to reach the grand final of the coveted English Amateur Snooker Championship (E.A.S.B). The championship was held at Woking Snooker Centre on the 5th and 6th February. The field included 68 top Amateurs from the Southern Region that included the highly rated junior Judd Trump form Bristol.
Andy produced top drawer snooker to reached this, his first National Championship final kicking off his campaign with a fine 4-1 victory over Mario Walker with two 40 plus breaks. He then beat David Taylor 4-1 recording breaks of 50, 60 and 73. Alan Harvey was to become his next victim whom he beat 4-3 in a very tight contest, with several breaks of 40 plus coming from both players.
With the first days play over Andy was full of confidence going into the second day. His first match was a 4-1 win over Greg Batten, Tiverton. The result didn’t justify the high standard set by both players. This took Andy into the Southern final against Simon Dent who, judging from earlier matches, was the in-form player. However, not overwhelmed by the occasion and the prestige of the championship Andy saved his best performance for the final. He cracked in two 40 plus breaks and then, three 60 plus breaks in the last three frames to run out a convincing 5-0 winner.
Andy will now meet David Grace winner of the Northern Region in the all England final. After the match Andy said “It’s fantastic to finally achieve such a goal in the sport which I have played since I was a boy, when my dad would take me down to the local club to practice. I have always thought that one day I would prove to myself that I am good enough to compete against the very best in the Amateur game. Now that I have done this I believe I can go on to win the final of what most recognise as the blue ribbon event of the English Amateur Snooker calendar. I believe this would give me entry into the World and European Amateur Championships and a good chance of selection to represent my country in the international series later in the year. Something every player dreams of! Much credit for my success must go to my parents for their continued support and Roger Cole, West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation, who is a great inspiration to me. As a coach and mentor he has help with both the technical and psychological side of my game. To have someone in your corner with Roger’s depth of knowledge, first hand experience of competing at a high level and direct contact with a team of experts, is a must for any aspiring player.”
Roger Cole said “Since Andy has become a member of our foundation he has gone from strength to strength. His natural flair for the game and his ability is improving all the time. There are a lot of players who can play the game, but very few who achieve anything like what he has done. I have every confidence Andy can now go on and turn his dream into reality by winning this illustrious championship.”
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