Snooker: Record tumbles again as Jamie Barrett pots a ton
A HIGHEST break record has tumbled for the second time in a fortnight – and new holder Jamie Barrett won't be surprised if history is made again in the near future.
Cleethorpes cueman Barrett sunk a sensational 136 just a fortnight after Grimsby hot shot Paul Metcalf knocked in a 131 to break Terry Burns' long-standing milestone of 130 in the Express Appliances Intermediate Snooker League.
The Clee Cons C potter was delighted with his century break that chalked off Metcalf's new record so quickly, but admits he could suffer a similar fate.
"It was a fantastic feeling to set a new record," said Barrett, 28. "It felt great when I beat it.
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"The fact two new records have been set in a fortnight, after the previous record stood for a long time, shows how high the standard is in Grimsby.
"There are so many good players in this town and I'm sure it won't be long before someone beats 136."
Barrett's big break came at Grimsby Road. He bagged the only frame won by his Clee Cons C team as they lost 5-1 to Section A title contenders Icing Cabin.
He worked hard for his record-breaking knock. To pot the opening red, he needed to use the spider and steer the white off two cushions to gain position on the black.
After making short work of 14 reds and colours, Barrett produced some excellent play to sink the final red and get position on the final colours.
"It was a great atmosphere," said Barrett. "I don't think people realised I was on for the record until I got to the blue. I needed the spider for the first red and then I had to take it ball by ball.
"A big pot that made the break was the last red, and then the yellow to get position on the green – I had to use the extension and take the cue ball all around the table."
Barrett came close to turning professional at the Q School last May when he reached round four of the second of three qualifying events – he lost 4-3 to Ryan Causton in the fourth round when victory would have seen him advance to a showdown for a two-year ticket on snooker's Main Tour.
He took part in the Sheffield event alongside former Grimsby professionals Stuart Carrington and Ashley Wright.
But like Wright – who reached round four of the opening Q School event last year and was a professional in the 2007-08 season – Barrett's hopes of playing snooker at the highest level have faded.
Wright, who was battling the likes of four-time world champion John Higgins on the Players Tour Championship (PTC) last year, has been unable to take part in the pro-am circuit since losing sponsorship.
Barrett receives support from Grimsby firms Quayside and United Fish Industries, which will enable him to take part in PTC events.
But he added: "On top of working, I'd need about £20,000 in sponsorship to compete as a professional – unless I was extremely successful.
"There are more worldwide events now, which means the cost of travelling to compete in them is getting higher and higher.
"A lot of players get funded around the country, but it's tough here in the current economic climate and I feel getting more sponsorship would be a miracle.
"I'd love to push myself and believe I've got the game to reach the pro ranks.
"I'd jump at the chance if I was offered financial backing but sadly I think there's more chance of me winning the National Lottery."
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