NEW Zealand international pool player Mark Stephenson, from Malvern, has begun his second attempt to lift the Gangsters Grand Prix series held in Swindon.
Stephenson, who finished fourth in the inaugural event last year, had a bye in the first round of the opening event on Saturday and then drew IPA professional Simon Doyle.
Although he had defeated Doyle twice last year, 6-1 and 6-3, this time Doyle ran out a 6-3 winner.
Stephenson said: "This time he got his own back. I was unlucky in two of the frames and overall I didn't have the run of the balls."
He was happy however, that his practice partner, Welsh international Russell Burgess, got through to the final.
Later this month (May 10-12) Stephenson will play in the English Pool Association's Champion of Champions at Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth.
In a tough half of the draw Stephenson has to play David Penly from Woking in the first round and if he wins through would face the winner of the Peter Ashman (Littlehampton)/ Stacey Vine (Northhampton) tie.
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