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.

Euro Snooker - Day 1

Such a long day, all for the love of snooker. I started this morning at 2.45 am with a quick shower, shave and on the road to Dublin Airport, arriving just before 5am tired but excited, snooker cue and holdall in tow, ready for another European Adventure.

Have to give credit to Air France, breakfast of coffee and muffin on the way to Paris, then another 'snack' on the connecting flight from Paris to Sofia. Credit to EBSA Mr Fix It aka Jim Leacy for laying on a welcoming party in Charles De Gaul Paris, a nice chap escorted us from arrivals to the departure gate, although outgoing EBSA secretary Pete was quick to take the credit for this one.

The Hotel we are staying at, the Dedeman Prince Sofia & Casino met the Irish group at the airport and following a brief drive, we arrived at the hotel in good spirits, and greeted by secretary Maxime Cassis. It was good to see so many familar faces from previous European tournaments.

Now it wouldn't be a European 'Adventure' without the odd incident or strange goings on, and it didn't take long. I took a quick stroll over the the Central Station, and had slice of pizza and beer (cost was 4 Lev, or about £1.50) and returned to my room for a freshen up, so I was only gone about an hour. On my return, on the table in the corner of our room was a tasty looking dessert with the words '45 Years' presented in chocolate on the plate.

Now I know I'm not 45 yet, and can say with some confidence my room-mate is a 'little' older....lol It turns out our 'Hotel' is 45 years in business today 6th June., and we all received a little birthday cake to celebrate. Well done Dedeman.

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).

The Draw - Group C

We received the tournament draw today, courtesy of email sent by Maxime Cassis, EBSA General Secretary. The Masters category looks as competitive as ever with a eclectic mix of talent and nationalities. I have been drawn in Group C (right).

I haven't had the pleasure of playing any of these players before, but I am particularly looking forward to my match with the 2006 European Masters champion, the classy Jyri Virtanen from Finland. Having been in the same group as Doron Lavi from Israel last year, I am expecting a similar tough challenge from his compatriot Yakov Shaashoa.

The other groups in the Masters section look very competitive as well. Steve Judd (Former English Champion) and PTC qualifier is in Group E along with the experienced Paul Jamieson from Scotland who is coming here having just won his local scratch championship. Throw in Allan Norvak from Denmark and you have a very exciting group and one I will be keeping an eye on. Click here to follow all groups.

Having said that, all of the matches will be a challenge and with 7 players in each group we get one more match than last year, I am looking forward to every one. Can't wait.

Tournament Players - Who to watch?

Had a quick check at my friend Dariusz Goral's website and it looks like he is again ahead of the game, full list of players, mens, ladies, and masters together with tables and match times. It will probably be tweaked a little before the tournament but he has nailed it again. Visit the site here.

From the list of players named, there are a few that jump out in the Masters category, the one I am competing in. Darren Morgan from Wales has to be the pre-tournament favourite, he's the current holder of the title. The 2008 Winner Alan Trigg is again competing and will provide stiff opposition for all.

Another quality player who is making a reapearance on the International scene, again from 2008 is Stephen Merrigan from Ireland. Stephen reached the Semi Final them, losing to Trigg and it will be good to see how he fairs this time around. One step further wouldn't be beyond the realms of posibility.

Finally, It's good to see Costas Konnaris from Cyprus back after he had to withdraw from the tournament suddenly last year due to a family bereavement, a class player.

Late Challenger?

While the event draws ever nearer, received a surprise call last night from John McIntyre, legend of the green baize and true gent. John asked a few questions about the event, when it starts, what the hotel is like, flights etc...so I ask him "Are you thinking of going"...he replies "well I was thinking about it" in his Belfast drawl, never mind the fact the closing date was over 3 weeks ago!

Although John has missed the deadline he is keen to take part and I hope he can get a cancellation or something. I don't think the draw has taken place so you never know. Personally I hope he can make the trip, he is a real character and makes any event he enters a much more enjoyable one.

Unfortunately due to work commitments I didn't get to play in our National championships at the weekend,  so I will be going into this tournament with absolutely no idea of what shape my  game is in, which is never a good thing, but then again you never know.

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?).