Carl Morris was impressive throughout the evening as he won week eight of the 2022/23 Ultimate Pool Masters and qualified for the second phase of the competition at the start of next year.
Ultimate Pool’s number six ranked professional following a run to a Pro Series event final in 2021, Morris dropped just four frames in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Wednesday night – the fewest number of frames from any week winner, so far.
Action began with Morris – the sport’s youngest-ever world champion when he claimed the title in 1998 as a 21-year-old – up against 13-year-old Justin Matthews, the youngest-ever player to compete in the Masters.
“The 8-0 score line was a little harsh on young 13 year old Justin Mathews. I had seen him practise prior to the match and he was pulling off some incredible shoes but unfortunately nerves understandably got the better of him. Still, respect and credit for having the balls to put himself on TV – how many thirteen year olds would do that?!” – Carl ‘Houdini’ Morris
Morris did a professional job and was merciless as he defeated the up-and-comer 8-0 in a display that included a golden break in the opening frame and two reverse clearances later on.
Next into the arena was the experienced Del Redmond facing 22-year-old Luke Terry. The match was very close early on with never more than a frame between the pair, but recent Challenger Series finalist Redmond was stronger in the closing stages as he wrapped up a 7-5 victory.
Ultimate Pool Masters – Group 8 Final
An intriguing final between two well-known and established figures, Morris opened up a 2-0 lead before Redmond got a foothold and levelled up at 2-2.
Former world number one Morris reopened up a two-frame advantage at 4-2 (break clearance in frame 6) and then punished a missed 8-ball from Redmond for a break clearance in frame seven to move further ahead.
Morris then made back-to-back break clearances to take steam into a 6-2 lead in this race to 8. Redmond scored a golden break and then chalked up frame ten to reduce his arrears to just two, but a grandstand finish was not forthcoming as Morris secured the next two frames for an 8-4 success.
As for my second match against Del Redmond, nerves would play no part given Del’s experience. I played solid, but a missed black by Del allowed me to pull away and run out a comfortable winner. – Carl ‘Houdini’ Morris
What Next in the Masters?
Morris scores a triumph for the professional players after amateurs had won in each of the previous four weeks. He completes a last 32 group featuring Jake-Dylan Newlove, Bryan Cumming and Ben Rowland.
Source: Ultimate Pool
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