Event one of the 2012 SWOT got underway on Sunday 18th March, at Champs Poolclub ,Gorseinon.
The field was slightly depleted due to it being mothers day but with a few new faces and some older players returning ,the tournament was looking quite strong.
Tour debutants Andy Owen and Jay Gregory were drawn in the early rounds with Andy progressing through but Jay going out against Wales A player Mark Layland.
Going on to the last 16. Mark Layland continued through from a very tough match with Paul Martin. Another player making his first appearance was Kevin isaac who dispatched Roy Mountjoy and returning player Chris Watkins also progressed through. Also matched in the last 16 was number one ranked Neil Williams against number 7 Jeff Callaghan, with Jeff coming out victorious.
The quarter final line was Mark Layland v Jeff Callaghan, Adrian Jones v Paul Landek , Gareth Williams v Chris Watkins and Kevin Isaac v Byron Evans.
Mark Layland's good form continued dispatching Jeff 6 -0. Paul Landek and Adrian Jones played out a marathon match with Paul coming back from 5-2 down to win 6-5. Another close game going to the wire saw Chris Watkins beat Gareth Williams 6-5. The final last 8 match saw Kevin Isaac beat Byron Evans 6-1.
Semi final line up of Mark Layland v Paul Landek and Chris Watkins v Kevin Isaac. Marks good run finally came to an end in a match that went to the final frame but grinder Paul seen the match out winning 6-5. The other semi was another very close encounter with debutant Kevin Isaac just pipping Chris Watkins 6-5.
Well after a long day the final was contested by Amman Valley team mates Paul Landek and Kevin Isaac. I think tiredness played a big part in this final as both players had tough and long matches throughout the day . Paul started well and never let up and went on to win 7-0.
Many congratulation to Paul on winning his first tour event . Also well done to Kevin on reaching the final of his first ever senior event.
A big thank goes out to Steve Partridge owner of Champs Poolclub in Gorseinon. We had a great welcome and nothing was to much trouble. All the very best to Steve in his new venture.
Last 16
Paul Martin 4 - 5 Mark Layland
Neil Williams 1-5 Jeff Callaghan
Adrian Jones 5-3 Andy Owen
Paul Landek 5-4 Neil Peters
Gareth Williams 5-3 Dale Horseman
Chris Watkins 5-3 Andrew Watkins
Roy Mountjoy 2-5 Kevin Isaac
Steve Skinner 2-5 Byron Evans
Quarter finals
Mark Layland 6-0 Jeff Callaghan
Adrian Jones 5-6 Paul Landek
Gareth Williams 5-6 Chris Watkins
Kevin Isaac 6-1 Byron Evans
Semi-finals
Mark Layland 5-6 Paul Landek
Chris Watkins 5-6 Kevin Isaac
