World number 59 professional David Grace claimed victory in the inaugural challenge match with local top amateur Wayne Brown incredibly turning over a 1-4 deficit to win 5-4 in the best of 9 frame match. The match was played to a incredibly high standard with a string of high breaks from both players.
Wayne opened proceedings with a flawless total clearance of 135 and followed up with a couple of 30-odd breaks to take the second frame 88-19 and lead 2-0. In the 3rd frame Wayne opened with 50 and looking to take a 3-0 lead but David finally found his range with a 68 clearance up to black. Undeterred Wayne took the 4th frame with another fine clearance of 73 to lead 3-1 going into the break.
After the interval Wayne took the only scrappy frame of the evening 69-36 to go one frame from victory at 4-1. With an early finish looking on the cards David hit form in devastating fashion taking the 6th frame with a total clearance of 130 and remarkably followed up with another 130 total clearance to pull back to 4-3. In first again in the 8th frame David looked certain for 3rd successive century before just missing on 94.
There was no stopping David now as he again got in first in the final frame to register a break of 78 leaving Wayne to concede the match.
A wonderfully high quality match enjoyed by all present with both players registering in the 90%+ pot success rate.
A follow up challenge is being planned and details will be released soon – don’t miss it
Bill Cocker plays a frame with David Grace after Davids dramatic 5-4 win over Wayne Brown