All images taken by Andrew Webber

Max Forster continued his incredible season by winning the first ever Eldon Challenge open, coming through a gripping final against Cai Younger.

The pair are two of the North-East’s brightest young talents and treated a full house to a high quality, hard fought final.

Forster took the first two games 11-9, 11-8, which were full of lengthy, attritional rallies as both men looked to take control of the T.

Despite being point for point throughout, it was Forster who was able to take control of the crucial late rallies, the Northumberland player’s confidence showing on the back of a breakthrough season.

Much credit must also go to Younger, who showed excellent ball control. Both men moved well meaning not many decisions were needed in a very watchable game.

Forster was able to seal the title in the third as, with the match already beyond 45 brutal minutes, Younger finally began to tire.

The event boasted some of the North East’s top players with Forster, Younger, Paul Lord and Jamie Todd all topping the bill for their club sides in the Northumbria Premier League.

“The tournament exceeded our expectations to be honest. The quality of the entries was top class, from Max Forster, the county champion,  to a former world no.27 in Paul Lord. We couldn’t be happier with the turnout and hope to improve on it next year.” Said co-organier Adam Coates.

His fellow organiser, Guy Eniona added: “The atmosphere was electric and the music selection lit up the mood of the crowd and players. It turned out to be a great tournament and I’m proud to have been part of it.”

The finals day also featured excellent matches in the B and C finals, and all of their respective plate events.

Finals day full results:

C Event – Plate

Adam Coates 3-0 Matthew Saddler

11-5, 11-4, 14-12

C Event

Tom Hodgson 3-2 Andrew Webber

11-6, 11-5, 9-11, 3-11, 11-7

B Event – Plate

Robert Aynsley 3-1 John Armstrong

7-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-8

B Event

Michael Bridgewater 3-2 Mark Steven

11-1, 12-14, 10-12, 13-11, 11-4

A Event – Plate

Lennox Lockwood 3-1 Tom Cornell

6-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-7

A Event

Max Forster 3-0 Cai Younger

11-9, 11-8, 11-4