Snooker star (13) beats big names in Moray tournament while champion pots two century breaks including near-miss on 147 attempt

A Moray snooker memorial tournament drew entries from across the north of Scotland.

The Adam Wood Moray Open, contested in tribute to a local snooker stalwart, was held at Elgin’s Ex-Service Club and New Club, with a familiar face going on to claim the top prize.

The pick of the open round saw matches involving Moray players taking on Aberdeen counterparts. Graham Scales (Moray) pipped Derry Simpson (Aberdeen) whilst Kevin Jamieson (Aberdeen) defeated Alan Mair (Moray) both by tight 2-1 scorelines.

This year the main open event was supplemented by a plate for first round losers so Simpson and Mair were given a second chance at glory as their opponents marched on.

The last 16 also provided some entertaining games with an all-Moray clash being the standout game.

Mark Bell took an early lead in his match against Gary Pope but it was Pope that responded to secure a 2-1 victory and progress to the last eight.

In the quarter-finals, Pope progressed to face 13-year-old Grantown starlet Elijah Versteeg who had defeated some top class opposition in his debut event. He defeated Alex Cooper (Inverness) and Richard Mckenzie (Moray) on his way to eventual defeat to the experienced Pope.

Regardless, Versteeg showed fine technique and temperament for one so young and we all will be looking forward to how he progresses in future competitions.

The semi-final set the stage for the highest standard of snooker seen in Moray for many years.

Adam Macleod (Moray) progressed to the final by virtue of a very solid performance to defeat John McAleaney (Inverness) but it was in the other semi where sparks really flew.

Defending and five time Moray Open champion Marc Davis (Aberdeen) knocked in a 130 break followed by a superb attempt at a maximum clearance – he broke down on the final black from the last red to score 113 and a second consecutive century. Pope was on the receiving end of this onslaught losing the match 3-1.

The final was a tense but fast-flowing affair. Davis raced into a 3-1 lead with nice breaks of 60 and 70 but Macleod closed the gap to 3-2 and had a bit of a chance to make it 3-3 but it was Davis that pulled away to earn his sixth title with a 4-2 victory.

The plate event was eventually won by Alan Pedalty (Aberdeen) who defeated Stevie Sturrock (Moray) on a blue ball shootout having tied the final at 1-1.