Alex Borg knocked out of European Snooker Championship

Alex Borg’s run in this year’s European Snooker Championship came to an end on Friday morning after he was beaten by Latvian player Rodion Judin 4-0 in the Last 16.

The Mellieħa-born cueist could not match the high-level snooker produced by Judin who has shown incredible form in the last two days to progress to the quarter-finals.

In fact, the Latvian player had outplayed Nadav Biton, of Israel, and England’s Martin O’Donnell with an identical 4-0 scoreline before knocking out England’s Patrick Whelan 4-2.

On Friday, Judin was in fine form right from the outset compiling runs of 57 and 54 to secure the first frame before doubling his lead when securing the second frame.

In the third frame, Borg tried to fight back and moved ahead but Judin pounced immediately with a run of 58 to move one frame from victory.

The fourth and final frame again saw Judin again showcasing his potting skills to secure the match-winning point 66-1.

In the other matches, Israel’s Schachar Ruberg beat Floriana Nuble, of Austria, 4-1 while Scotland’s Ross Muir had the better of Heikki Niva, of Finland, 4-2.

Finland’s Robin Hull beat Jack Bradford (Wales) 4-2 while Scotland’s Liam Graham lost to Harvey Chandler of England 4-1.

Newly Under 18 champion Bulcsu Revesz was beaten by Ross Bulman, of Ireland, 4-3, while Michael Collumb, of Scotland had the better of England’s Ashley Carty 4-1.

Brendan O’Donoghue (Ireland) beat Iulian Boiko (Ukraine) 4-0.