Official Fergal O'Brien Website
Grand Prix Qualifying
I was delighted to start the season off with a great win on
Wednesday.
I had a very tough match against Judd Trump.
I had heard all about Judd's fantastic junior and amateur achievements
and was expecting a hard match and thats what I got.
All qualifiers and in particular the first match of the season
are all about getting a result.
But putting in a good performance was a real bonus.
I really felt the benefits of having a weeks practice in Ilford
before going to Prestatyn.
There I practiced with Anthony Hamilton and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Playing against these two can only do my game a power of good.
That win means I play Mark Williams in the first round proper
of the
Grand Prix in Preston on Monday 10th at 13.30.
We have had some great matches in the past and I'm sure this one will be no
different.
My website has only been up and running for
two months and I have been staggered by the response
and interest it has received especially considering this has been during the
off season.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support.
Whilst I am aware how I can improve the website over the coming season I appreciate
and welcome any comments from you that will increase your enjoyment.
Preston Victory
I was delighted with my win over Mark who
is a double world champion.
This is what I have spent all summer practicing for.
I was happy with a lot of my game but there are still some areas I want to
improve on
and I will be spending Tuesday and Wednesday morning on this.
My next match will be against Stuart Bingham and this will be a tough match.
I am really enjoying playing and look forward to the match with Stuart.
Finally I would like to thank everybody for their kind messages
and e-mails after my last two matches.
Out of the Grand Prix
Obviously I am very disappointed with the result of todays
match.
My compliments and best wishes go to Stuart for the remainder of the tournament
as he played very well today.
I started by winning the first frame and he then levelled the score at 1-1.
He then had a 90 break to go 2-1 ahead and I replied with a century to level
the match at 2-2.
The next frame was scrappy but Stuart was in control for the whole frame and
went ahead 3-2.
I had a couple of chances in the 6th frame but I did not make the most of
them and Stuart stretched his lead to 4-2.
In the next frame he had a 60 break and went on to claim a 5-2 victory.
The best man won on the day and I wish him all the best in the next round.
I now need to get on with preparation for the next tournament,
the Irish Professional Championships in the Spawell in Dublin.
It is onwards and upwards from here.
As disappointing as todays result was I received word 30 minutes after the
match
of a renewed sponsorship deal with Oceanico Developments.
This sponsorship deal started last year and I am delighted to renew my acquaintance
with a company
of such stature and standing in the business world of property.
I will be home tomorrow and on Friday practice will start again for the next
match.
Thanks to all my supporters.