Ellen Falkner is new ladies matchplay world champion

On Jan 21, 2016 612

All the reaction and results from Thursday at Potters

Ellen Falkner is the new Ladies Professional World Indoor Matchplay champion after beating Bex Field 10-9, 8-7.

She said: “It was great to win the title for the third time – but more important than that, it was good to take part in a game that showcased everything that’s good about the sport – and especially the women’s game!”

Bex said: “I’m disappointed to lose, but Ellen played so well under pressure. I knew I would have to match her on the draw, and was pleased with the way I played – but she is so good at attacking the head, and I don’t think she missed a thing. I thought I played well enough to deserve a tiebreak.”

Also on the blue portable rink was Jamie Chestney, who beat Connor Cinato 10-3, 8-3.

Connor said: “I was disappointed not to find the form I did in my first game against Andy (Thomson), but I am sure I will have benefited from the experience of playing at Potters and rubbing shoulders with some of the best players in the world.

“I’m determined to come back, and hope to do better next time.”

Greg Harlow took out Darren Burnett, 9-4, 6-6.

He said: “In the past, I would have played Darren on long jacks, but he has had so much success on them this tournament that I decided to play short-to-medium, and it seemed to work.”

Darren said: “I have been playing well here all tournament, and, before today, I had won eight games on the bounce.

“However, on the law of averages, I suppose things were bound to change, and my run had to come to an end sometime. I’m just disappointed that it was today. I went into the game full of confidence, but, for some reason I cannot explain, I wasn’t comfortable from the start.”

In the final match of the day, Nick Brett beat Les Gillett 9-4, 8-5.

He said afterwards: “It wasn’t a great match, but sometimes you just have to grind out a victory. Les is a dangerous player, but I didn’t give him many chances. I did OK – but I realise I will have to up my game if I am to make further progress.”