Five in a row for Martin at Phoenix
Eastwood Open 5
Christmas Shopping took its toll as a depleted field of nine players fought it out at Phoenix Cue Sports for the £45 first prize. The popular round robin format was used again which provided every competitor with at least three matches. The top two players in each group progressed to the semi-finals.
Group A
Jimmy’s brother, Andrew Gratton, only dropped one frame as he won all three of his matches. Chris Piech failed to find the form that we all know he is capable of as he went down 2-0 to both Gratton and group runner-up Zed Zubair. Zubair, who has not played much snooker at all recently due to a trip abroad, was particularly impressive.
Group A
| P | W | L | F | A | Pts | |
| Andrew Gratton | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Zed Zubair | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Chris Piech | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Ryan Baker | 3 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
Group A Results
| Chris Piech | 2 | 0 | Ryan Baker |
| Zed Zubair | 0 | 2 | Andrew Gratton |
| Ryan Baker | 1 | 2 | Zed Zubair |
| Andrew Gratton | 2 | 1 | Ryan Baker |
| Chris Piech | 0 | 2 | Zed Zubair |
| Andrew Gratton | 2 | 0 | Chris Piech |
Group B
Jimmy Gratton was in inspired form, making breaks of 40,50,51 and a magnificent 82 and he finished top of the group on frame difference. Wayne Martin and Nav Hussain finished level on points and frame difference but it was Hussain who missed out on a place in the semi-finals due to his defeat against the defending champion. Stephen Lally played some excellent snooker, particularly against Steve Butler who failed to win a match.
Group B
| P | W | L | F | A | Pts | |
| Jimmy Gratton | 4 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 6 |
| Wayne Martin | 4 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Nav Hussain | 4 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Stephen Lally | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 2 |
| Steve Butler | 4 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
Group B Results
| Stephen Lally | 1 | 2 | Nav Hussain |
| Jimmy Gratton | 2 | 0 | Steve Butler |
| Nav Hussain | 2 | 1 | Jimmy Gratton |
| Wayne Martin | 2 | 0 | Stephen Lally |
| Jimmy Gratton | 2 | 1 | Wayne Martin |
| Steve Butler | 0 | 2 | Nav Hussain |
| Wayne Martin | 2 | 1 | Steve Butler |
| Stephen Lally | 0 | 2 | Jimmy Gratton |
| Steve Butler | 1 | 2 | Stephen Lally |
| Nav Hussain | 1 | 2 | Wayne Martin |
Knockout Stage
Semi-finals £10
Wayne Martin 2-0 Andrew Gratton
Gratton was blown away by Martin who by this stage of the tournament was starting to cue very well.
Zed Zubair 2-0 Jimmy Gratton
Anyone who beats Jimmy Gratton 2-0 has to have played well and Zubair was on fire in this match.
Final £45 / £25
Wayne Martin 3-0 Zed Zubair
Zubair was now tiring whereas Martin was buzzing. It was a relatively easy win for Martin who has now won five Eastwood Opens in a row. Can anyone stop him?
Highest Breaks
Jimmy Gratton 82,51,50,40,30,30
Wayne Martin 63
Andrew Gratton 45
Steve Butler 38
Stephen Lally 29
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