Peter Graham (Glenburn) grabbed his first Ulster Senior Closed Men’s title with a tactical and sometimes explosive 4-set victory over Tyrone protégé Ashley Robinson.
Law graduate Graham (24 years), displayed composure gained from experience as an Irish junior and senior international, but was conscious that he has to be in top gear to overhaul the Clogher player who has already graced world events as Irish No. 4, and will soon take up a semi-professional position in the British League with the Gareth Herbert School in Peterborough.
Missing from the Ulster’s line up in the Valley Leisure Centre were current Irish No. 1 and UK Grand Prix winner in Liverpool was Paul McCreery, soon to return to studies in Nottingham and Keith Knox who was on French club duty. Nevertheless the Knox family were well represented by elder brother Gervis, finishing 4th ahead of Polish immigrant Pawel Sulkowski (Ballymoney).
Emma Ludlow, also Glenburn, showed why she has caught the eye of the Ulster Junior Selectors by winning the Class 2 event ahead of Mark Gordon (Ballyclare).
Once again the round-robin format, designed by Ulster President Tony Phillips, has the players’ approval.
Ulster Senior Closed Championship Final Places:
1. Peter Graham; 2. Ashley Robinson; 3.Gervis Knox ; 4. Pawel Sulkowski; 5. Pat McClaughan; 6. Jack Porter; 7. Stephwen Slater; 8. Kris Foster; 9. Zak Wilson; 10. Philip Jamison; 11. Hannah Lynch-Dawson; 12. Gary Crawford.
Class 2: 1. Emma Ludlow; 2. Mark Gordon; 3. Andrew Loane; 4. Patsie Gallagher.
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