Wayne’s world (or at least South of England)?
WAYNE Muddiman has taken the first step towards ending the dominance of Andover’s John Hunter on the Cuestars South of England Seniors (40+) Tour.
The Southampton cueman ended last season as runner-up in the rankings and runner-up in the championship play-off to Hunter.
But the tables were turned when the pair met in the final of the first leg of seven at Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club.
Unbeaten in the group stages, Muddiman, who turns out for the Southampton Super League champions Chandlers Ford Central Club A, accounted for Richard Arnold (Salisbury) 2-0 in the last-four and Hunter 2-0 in the final.
Hunter didn’t lose a frame until the final and compiled a century along the way.
“It was nice to make a century again,” said the 47-year-old. “In fact, it’s been like buses. I didn’t make a ton last season yet two came along last week.”
Hunter, who is based at Salisbury Snooker Club, posted a 104 in the Andover & District Snooker League and then missed the black on 117 against his clubmate Arnold in the Seniors group stages.
He said: “Although I’ve put some practice in for this season – something I haven’t done for a few years (I’ve found an understanding girlfriend) – my safety play is a bit ropey and this was exploited intelligently by Wayne who fully deserved his comfortable victory.”
Hunter beat the 2012 play-off champion Nick Birney (Liberal Club, High Wycombe) 2-0 in the semi-finals.
A couple of interesting statistics: Arnold has appeared in 11 Seniors events and only reached the semi-finals twice – both at Chandler’s Ford. And in every one of Ray Mears’ matches, his personal best break of 23 was surpassed – by his opponent.
The second leg of seven is at Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon, on Sunday, November 17.
BREAKS
John Hunter: 117, 58.
Wayne Muddiman: 56.
Nick Birney: 48.
ROUND-ROBIN GROUP POSITIONS
GROUP A: 1st, Wayne Muddiman (Chandlers Ford Central); 2nd, Nick Birney (Liberal Club, High Wycombe); 3rd, Steve Allen (Totton Recreation Club); 4th, Martin Wallace (Colours, Reading); 5th, Neil Carroll (Chandler’s Ford SC); 6th, Ray Mears (Sovereign SC, Farnborough).
GROUP B: 1st, John Hunter (Salisbury SC); 2nd, Richard Arnold (Salisbury SC); 3rd, Trevor Thorn (Basingstoke Conservative Club); 4th, Alan Thomas (Jesters, Swindon); 5th, Nick Miles (Ashlett Club, Fawley); 6th, Mike Thatcher (Shirley Conservative Club).
KNOCKOUT RESULTS
SEMI-FINALS (£15): Muddiman beat Arnold 2-0, Hunter beat Birney 2-0.
FINAL (£60/£30): Muddiman beat Hunter 2-0.
Picture by Tim Dunkley. Wayne Muddiman (right) and John Hunter.