EBSA Portugal - Welsh Successes

Portugal proved to be both a fantastic venue for the event and a happy hunting ground for the Welsh contingent.

The event commenced with the Under 18s, attanded by Liam Davies, Oliver Briffett-Payne, Riley Powell and Zac Cosker. Given Oliver, Riley and Zac have little international experience between them, but all 4 juniors progressed from their groups in first or second place. Only Liam made it past 'Last 32' however, falling at the  quarter finals.

The Under 21s got underway and agbain the Welsh  players (Dylan Emery, Liam Davies, Rhys Morgans and Alfie Davies) progressed from their groups in strong fashion. Rhis and Alfie exited in the Last 48, whereas Liam and Dylan faced each other in the quarter finals. As you might expect, it went to a decider and Dylan won through, promptly destroying his semi final opponent and lining up a final against Julien Leclerq. Dylan took the title with a dominant 5-2 win, achieving professional status as part of his prize.

In the Mens/Mixed competition, Darren Morgan, Elfed Evans, Ben Fortey and Dylan reached the knockout rounds. Elfed made it to the Last 16, losing on a deciding frame. Darren seemed intent on turning back the clock and made it all the way to the final, before losing out to Oliver Brown, who had earlier eliminated both Ben and Dylan.

The Masters saw yet another title for Darren. Alun Squire and Steve Thomas again made it out of the groups, with Steve reaching the Last 16. Darren dropped just 3 frames in the knockout and only 5 in the whole competition. His 11th title was a just reward, nobody will be willing to bet against him retaining this in 2022 and making it a round dozen.

The Team event pitted Dylan/Ben against Darren/Elfed and this time experience came up trumps. Darren and Elfed reached the final, going down 5-2.

So, congratulations must go to both Darren and Dylan after they again proved that Wales is always a force to be reckoned with.