First win for CI

THE Channel Islands have registered their first victory in the World Eight-Ball Pool Championships. In their first match on the second day, Andy Mildner's men came up against Spain and took care of them 14-7.

Then after their success over the Spanish they then went on to lose to South Africa, Wales and England, to complete a tough couple of days.

On the first day the CI lost to heavyweights France and Ireland.

But CI team member Ady Holley believes that they are close to their opponents.

'I think we're playing well but the general consensus in the team is that we are falling a fraction short,' said the Guernseyman.

'We're being very competitive and we're giving them a run for their money but we're falling a bit short.'

According to Holley the only exception to this is former Guernsey and CI champion Martyn Desperques.

The Sarnian has been in scintillating form as he has won 13 of his 18 frames played. He is currently sat seventh in the standings.

'He's playing very well,' said Holley.

'He's looking very sharp and he's a lot sharper than the rest of the team. He has a good chance of staying in the top 10.'

The Channel Islanders need to win their remaining six matches to reach the play-offs and the final.

Those fixtures are against the West Indies, India and Scotland today and Kenya, Australia, Northern Ireland and Malta on Monday.

'We have played the stronger teams and we now play the weaker ones,' said Holley.

'Our hardest game to go is against Australia but apart from that for the rest of them we will be looking to do some damage. We have to win six matches to qualify.

'It's not going to be impossible but it's going to be tough.

'We're going to give it our best shot.'