Superbly Organised Tournament

Daniel Wells - 2011 European Champion

So, the European Championships are over for another year. What a professional, slick enterprise this was and credit has to go to Oleg and the Bulgarian Snooker Federation. Looking back over the 12 days of the tournament I can remember the excitement, fun, tension and stiff competition that is a European Event. For Bulgaria to take on this event with just 16 weeks notice is a testement to the hard work put in by both EBSA and the BSF, something the players often overlook.

'Blue' Peter, me, Ger, Vic, and Sverrir 'Ashcloud' Garðarsson

The standard of referreing has also improved and this was highlighted by Bernard McGuinness during his speech at the end of the event, well done referees. The closing ceremony was a fitting climax to a wonderful tournament., with estatic winners and gracious loosers. Although I didn't sample the 'Black Ram' whiskey (one of the sponsors) during the closing ceremony I have heard it is quite good, a bottle or two was exported to various parts of the European community no doubt.

I have made some wonderful friends and if I didn't get an opportunity to mention you on my blog (thank your lucky stars) there is always the next time. Sofia is not the easist place to reach in Europe and we had to get connecting flight from Paris both there and back. But thats not detracting from a wonderful venue and event.

Next year I am sure the host country will be a little more accesible with possible host countries ISRAEL, LATVIA, RUSSIA, DENMARK, GERMANY and N.IRELAND hoping to host the event. Watch this space and I will update the moment I hear anything.

For me it's back to the day job (I have some car trouble which means I can't get into work today as I write this) and my other passion which is Politics. The next election campaign will not be for another 3 years, so plenty of work lies ahead. If you are interested in what our party stands for, you can catch up via my website, which again will also be updated with various goings on. Click here.

Oh, and before I forget and get off the snooker theme completely, thanks for the t-shirt Janie. I like surprises and I LOVE SNOOKER!!

Day 2 - Sports Minister breaks off

We had a VIP at the opening ceremoney today, Bulgaria's very own Sports Minister Svilen Neykov who 'broke off' to officailly anounce the start of this years European Snooker Championships.

Under no pressure whatsoever from the assembled press, in case your wondering no, he didn't miscue, although the cue ball did fail to reach the baulk cushion. It was a great start to the event though and a credit to the organising committee for securing such a high profile politician to officially open the tournament.

Svilen Neykov Bulgarian Minister of Physical Education and Sports tells the waiting press about the growth of snooker in Bulgaria, and outlines what  exactly went wrong with that break off.

My colleague John McIntyre has had a stressful days travel today, he couldn't make the trip yesterday as the flight was full, and instead had to travel on his own but thankfully made it ahead of his match with Darren Morgan of Wales. John lost 3-0 but it was a tough ask given just 30 mins to get prepared.

My tournament started at 5pm with a tough match against the gritty Marcel Bera from Romania. Marcel pots a lovely long ball and in truth I didn't give him enough respect, taking on too many 50-50 chances. He punished me like any good snooker player should. My 2-0 lead evaporated and he levelled at 2-2 before we were escorted off the table to make way for another match. The break was just what I needed, winning the decider comfortably.

John and I finished the evening with a glass or two of wine and some 'spag bol' before calling it a night. Another day over, just glad to get a win under my belt.

Subway time

Was just browsing a local book store in the lovely Derry (as you do) during my lunch break looking for a clarinet book for my lovely daughter jo jo aka bubbles, and stumbled across a nifty little Thomas Cook travel guide. Together with the usual hot spots and must visit attractions, snuggled inside is a map of the local subway...I have never been so happy, and yes, I am easily pleased.

For the uninitiated, when I don't have a match I will locate the nearest tram or railway station and climb aboard, where I end up nobody knows. This is by far one of the main attractions of competing in these fantastic EBSA tournaments, second only to the people and the craic. Whoever decides on the tournament location I will find out, I owe you a very large drink (or two).

Tourist in town....what to do?

Sent off for some brochures from Bulgaria Tourist Information during a quiet night in the election campaign, and today I received a town map, places to visit and some vouchers...feeling at home already. Got to give it to the Bulgarian Tourist Board for their efficiency. Having said that still trying to locate the Snooker clubs in town, which will obviously have to take a priority, given that there is a major snooker tournament on.

Given my past experience in EBSA International competition, it is fair to say that after the round robin matches there is a fair bit of 'leisure' time between matches. Have decided that my snooker cue can take the place of my 3 wood in this instance and I may take in the odd 9 holes. It's either that or spend my free time at the casino or in the bar (where is my 'brother' Brendan Thomas when you need him?).