Pool - Darren fails to pot big-money telly prize

THERE was Fenland interest in the second televised, big money sporting event of the weekend and this time, Wisbech pool player Darren McCarthy was aiming to win £50,000. More than 5,000 players from around the country had entered the Pub Pool Challenge bu

THERE was Fenland interest in the second televised, big money sporting event of the weekend and this time, Wisbech pool player Darren McCarthy was aiming to win £50,000.

More than 5,000 players from around the country had entered the Pub Pool Challenge but Darren, 34, of Windsor Drive, Wisbech, had progressed to the final stages of the one frame, knock-out event, shown on Sky Sports tonight (Friday).

Darren, who plays for the Supercue Club, in Wisbech, and England B, had beaten former world champion Andy Lucas and England under-21 player Richard Twomey to qualify for the televised final, played in Derby on Sunday.

Only 32 players were left in the competition and if he won, Darren would not only pocket the massive first prize, he would also earn £1,000 for the Supercue Club.

However, luck was not on his side and Darren lost his first match of the day against Nigel Clarke. He said: "I started the frame well but then I snookered myself and I knew then that I was in trouble."

Clarke took advantage to win the frame and dump Darren out of the event, which was finally won by Frankie Sargeant.

Darren said: "I am disappointed because I felt really good going in to the tournament. The atmosphere was great but I wasn't nervous and I coped with the pressure well.