---

I think its good to see a full field, whom in the main, ply their trade from the Croydon league although the Surreypool.com boys certainly made the numbers up last year to contribute to a good 2008 event, and its good to see them support our comp and likewise we continue to get the opportunity to support their comps. So a pity this was not opened up to them plus I gather there were more Croydon players who wanted to enter. With untold tables at Rileys surely the field could have been increased to make it a 96 runner event? I think the inaugural event in 2005 at JFK's had 128 in the field.

Anyway, there are certainly a few good 1st round draws & there is bound to be the odd upset or two.

I've heard some good reviews this season about Ricky Cook and I think he made the last 16 last year taking out a few big scalps on the way. Halligan will have a good match on his hands there.

Ego's Telford & Wildman just about deserves to top the bill in the opening round.

Rawlings v Davis has all the makings of a marathon match! Neither are the fastest players & both very tactical. Others than mentioned above that look like they will be good matches, Hailston v Bensalem, Vincent v Tertullien, Miller v Porter, Travers v Harkness.

As for my Eden lot that entered, out of all of them, for third year on the spin it looks like I got dealt the shit end of the draw!

Anyone running a book this year? Mr Halligan?