CLUB OPEN 1 REPORT


COST-CUTTER! FRANKIE SAYS SUCCESS


Frank Costello claimed his first Club Open title at Blackpool but you suspect it won't be his last.


Indeed, you suspect a newpool star has arrived on the baize in the shape of the 17-year-old A level student from London. And it may not be long before the talented teenager is winning Main Tour events.


Before he reached his 17th birthday earlier this month (April), Costello hadwon theWorld and European Junior titles, reached his first Club Open final (losing to CraigMarsh) and then de- feated former snooker professional, Richard King, 6-2 to claim a first ever Club success.


Not bad going for the youngster from Ken- ningtonwho is also studying history,maths, bi- ology and religious studies.


"I lost to CraigWaddingham on the Main Tour and had to go straight back on to playmy Club match," Costello toldWorld Pool.


"It wasn't easy and I nearly lost my head.


"I played Ian Duffy in the last 32 and could eas- ily have lost. The match went to a decider and fortunately I got through.


"After that I just tried to domy best and ended up winning.


"It was a good feeling because I lost to Craig in the final at Blackpool last year. So, to go back and win was pleasing."


Costello was born to play pool. Dad Jerry Tick- ell is chairman of the Greater London County Pool Association and a more than capable player.


Young Frank has played the game most of his life but began to take it seriously about five years ago. It wasn't long before he was win- ning competitions and in the last two years has really started to blossom.


"I practice at JFK's Pool club near to where I live," he explained. "And really when that opened I was able to practice on the way home from school."


38


Costello is clearly a bright prospect on and off the table. He is studying for his A/S levels with the probability of going to university to read history. He's certainly making history in the pool world.


The 19th World 8-Ball Championships at Blackpool in Junewill see himdefend hisworld junior crown.


And eligible until 2012, he could emulate Dar- ren Matthew who won it three times in a row.


"Winning the world title is probably my biggest achievement so far. I lost the previous year so I knew in the Club that I could go back and do the same thing rather than fall at the final hurdle again."


For the moment, Costello's goals are more modest. "I think I'mprovisionally ranked inside the top 64 on the Tour," he says.


"I just want to try and stay there now for the rest of the season and make sure I am seeded next year."


And it will be a major surprise, you feel, if he doesn't achieve that target.


Club Open One Results:


Last 32: Jimmy Carney bt Richard Swaffield 5-4, Jason Hill bt Lee Bannister 5-4, Marc Fleming bt Ben Clark 5-2, Robert Wharne w/o Nigel Craig, Andrew O'Hara btJoe Flaherty jnr 5-3, Adam Foyster bt Chris Wilkinson 5-2, Neil Kelley bt Gary Simmonds 5-4, Richard King bt Lakesh Badhan 5-2, Harry Irwin bt Ian McMullan 5-3, Chris Alexander bt Eric Dockerty 5-1, James Swayland bt Paul Dunkey 5-3, Michael Day bt David Preece 5-3, Philip Naylor bt Dave Hughes 5-2, Thomas Jones bt Nik Dodd 5-2, Jock Irvine bt Richard Marples 5-4, Frank Costello bt Ian Duffy 5-4.


Last 16: Hill bt Carney 5-4, Fleming bt Wharne 5-4, O'Hara bt Foyster 5-0, King bt Kelley 5-3, Alexander bt Irwin 5-3, Day bt Swayland 5-2, Jones bt Naylor 5- 2, Costello bt Irvine 5-3.


Quarter-finals: Fleming bt Hill 5-2, King bt O'Hara 5-1, Alexander bt Day 5-2, Costello bt Jones 5-3.


Semi-finals: King bt Fleming 5-4, Costello bt Alexander 5-3.


Final: Costello bt King 6-2.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52