Andrew Norman beats Stephen Groves 4-1 at Q School – Round One
The 30-year-old, Andrew Norman, defeated Stephen Groves by a frame score of 4-1 in the best-of-seven frames Round 1 match at the Q School. This event is being held at the World Snooker Academy, Sheffield.
Norman, who was dropped off tour in 2010 after turning professional in 2002, has started his campaign with a hope to regain a tour card with a win and he has cleared his first hurdle pretty successfully with a 4-1 win over his opponent.
The final score-line between both players was 5-82 (Norman 44), 52-62 (Norman 42), 89-26 (Groves 45), 47-60 and 20-68.
Norman stormed into a 2-0 lead with modest breaks of 44 and 42 in both frames respectively. In the third, a few chances were exchanged but this time it was Groves who forced a chance from his opponent and fired a classy break of 45 to come within one frame
at 2-1.
The fourth and fifth were scrappy affairs. A bout of safety play was seen among the players. However, in the end it was Norman who came on the top with his flawless safety skills and sealed victory.
A visibly delighted Norman said, "I see it as five matches to win to win a ticket so you're going to have to play good players but I'm just counting down the matches. I've had to get a driving job to supplement any form of snooker and I'm 30, have a house
and bills to pay. I've been to struggling to earn a living but I love snooker, it's in my blood and I want to play the game at the highest level possible. I've had to take a step backwards to go forwards."
The Englishman went on to add, "The last 18 months have been one of the biggest struggles of my life."
Norman, who is one of more than 100 players on the tour, also admitted it’s not easy to go all the way but on the same note he said he is going to give his very best, as there is a tour card on the line.
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