Andrew Darby Eases Into Comfort Zone

The Young Contender comfortably breezed into a 7-2 end of session lead last night against an nervous looking Gavin Preston.

The best of 35 frame match began on 18 April and the session ended 4-1. Andrew was quick to capitalise on his advantage and now holds a 7-2 lead going into the third session next week.

The winner will be crowned the Chill-out Trophy Champion which is currently held by Andrew Darby.

Contender Completes Hat-Trick of Whitewashes to win Chill-Out Trophy for a Record 3rd Straight Time

Andrew Darby on a shot early in frame 3

The Young Contender, this evening pulled off a memorable third straight 5-0 victory over Gavin J Preston to make it 15 frames in a row without reply from a lack lustre Wizard.

Andrew was awesome from the off and was determined to continue where he left off last week. The pair have met in the new Chill out trophy for the last 3 weeks and the pattern has been one of strength, determination and honur.

'I was determined to notch another victory tonight. The 5-0 is nice but its never really in my head until after the 3rd frame. Once this is won, I can fully concentrate on the whitewash and I think this week, my best frame was the fourth. I showed right from the off that I was gonna win it and I pulled off some really good shots that I am proud of'.

Since the turn of 2011, Andrew has been the first to admit that he was not happy with his form over the last 15 months.

The Rowley Wizard cues up- Frame 2

'Yes, I have pulled off a few victories in 2010 but the loss of the AG Cup last year began the slide to which I now feel I have seen the back of. When I lost 3-2 to Gavin in February, this was a rwally low point in my career. I was not focussed on my game and I had lost a grip on the dreams of the past. On the night of my first 5-0 victory in The Chill-Out Trophy, I made a concious decision to alter my mentality. I decided I was going to go for more shots and not be scared to take them on. This was all the inspiration I needed and I am so happy to be nearly back, to my Quintuple winning form of 2009'. I am delighted to also be in the semi finals of the Vinjay Cup and I will be striving to beat my old foe 'The Bullet' in that match'.

Andrew will be in action again very soon at The Golden Cue Arena.

The date has still yet to be set for The Eeyore Trophy and The AG Cup. Andrew has said he is looking forward to get these historic tournaments back on and a deal has thought to have been agreed for them to be staged at the legendary Newbury Conference Centre.

We will of course keep you updated with all the action right here at the official YC Homepage.

Contender Through to Last 4 of Vinjay Cup 

The Young Contender got into the last 4 of the Vinjay Cup last night with solid victories against Mike 'The Killer' Kennedy and Chris 'The Rock' Siviter.

He will now face arch rival Brian 'The Bullet' Darby in the semi final as he comfortably came through a match with Dean 'The Demolisher' Cutting.

In the other semi final, new comer Josh Siviter will take on Malcolm 'The Assaulter' Salter.
The 'Rowley Wizard', Gavin J Preston was defeated at the quarter final stage against the old pro, Malcolm Salter on a black ball finish.

No date has been set yet for the semi finals but we expect it to be within the next few weeks.

 

Apologies For No Updates

The Young Contender would like to apologise for the lack of recent updates. This is due to a currewnt lack of matches. Andrew will be in action again very soon on the Green Baize so please come back soon to see what he has been getting up too.

His 2 most recent match results were as follows:

The Chill out Trophy

14 March 2011- Andrew Darby 5-0 Gavin J Preston

21 March 2011- Andrew Darby 5-0 Gavin J Preston

Please accept our apologies and keep on checking the site for further information

Battling Bullet no Match For Confident Contender

Andrew Darby was today back on the green baize after a 2 month forced absence to play against an ageing Brian 'The Bullet' Darby.

Forced out of retirement, with the lure of an invitation to play at the Auntie May Vase later on in the year too much to resist; this was The Bullet's first match against a decent opponent.

Frame 1 was all about the man with the magic cue recapturing the sort of form that saw him win the coveted Quintuple in 2009. In the opening exchanges, he was sublime, knocking in every attempt with ease and perfectly executing the safety side of his game with supreme ease. At one point it felt as if the old legend wasn't going to get a point, but to the relief of the crowd he did get a few before Andrew comfortably wrapped it up.

Frame 2 was a bit more of a cagey affair with Andrew looking a little less focussed and The Bullet gaining momentum. However, it was The Young Contender who took the frame and to go into an unassailable 2 frame advantage.

With the match already won, Andrew could afford to take his foot off the gas, but he will wish he didn't as brilliant bullet showed us why he is now known as a legend amongst the snooker world. Knocking in a beautiful break of 15, towards the end of the frame meant it was enough to lose, but with his head held high.

For Brian, his march to the Auntie May Vase continues and if he can produce the type of snooker he showed in the last frame today, then he still may be able to shock the games elite by winning this new annual event.

The Young Contender on the other hand is still in negotiations to get the Easter Sunflower and Summer Sunshine Challenges played, but with feelings running high between him and Mark 'angles' McDarby who knows when this will happen.

'I am unsure as to when and if me and Mark will play these tournaments this year. For one reason or another, things have been difficult to arrange. I was delighted that Mark was cleared of the match fixing allegations which led to the dramatic cancellation of the sunflower just hours before it was due to start. I would love to get both matches on but we will have to wait and see'.

Andrew continued, 'After being off the baize since February, it was nice to get back onto the table today and play some half decent stuff. I was happy with my safety game again today but feel I still lack the total 100 percent concentration that I really need to take into every match I play. Once I get this back, I am sure I will recapture my Quintuple winning form of 2009'.

Andrew is next in action on Monday evening against a young asian star by the name of Mohsin 'magnificent' Ejaz in an exhibition charity match. Tickets are now on general sale and will give fans a chance to see The Young Contender play in a new venue, The Dudley Banqueting Suite.

Angles Disgraces Game in Sinister Pirate Prank

The Easter Sunflower Challenge was dramatically cancelled last night after revelations that The World Number 2 had been secretly filmed accepting money to throw frames.

AG Cup Snooker champion Mark Darby is captured here on camera shaking hands on a disgraceful deal to fix a string of high-profile matches after demanding a £30.00 kickback.

After 27-year-old Darbys' shock AG Cup victory in February, he took a train to the seaside resort of Brixham with the cover story of a pirates convention. In a meeting with undercover Darby TV investigators on Friday shamelessly:

AGREED to deliberately LOSE frames in four matches so that illegal gambling syndicates could clean up.

HAGGLED over the best ways to cover up the bribe - finally settled at Euro 30.00 (£26.00).

BRAGGED it was "easy" to fool fans into believing they were watching genuine snooker action.

Astonishingly, the entire deal was set up and agreed with Darbys' agent Harry Naylor, also dressed as an unconvincing pirate.

At first, Greedy Naylor and Darby saw the chance of making a legal fortune out of our team, (also dressed as pirates) who were posing as businessmen interested in organising a series of events linked to the World Snooker Series - effectively a European Tour of snooker.

But they could not resist the lure of making extra illegal cash on the side from game fixing.

WIN: Darby with AG Cup trophy in February

During the 10-minute conversation that sealed their crooked deal Darby never once questioned the legality or morality of cheating for cash.

Instead he was more interested in how he could HIDE the massive payments he'd get.

Asked by our man if there was any danger he might not be able to deliver on his promise to lose a certain frame, Darby insisted: "It's easy, it's easy!"

Then came the subject of how he'd get paid and he bleated:

"But then I'm thinking to myself how do I swallow 30.00 pounds or Euros coming in, we only ever make 20 maybe 30 pence per tournament. How do I hide this kind of cash ?"

Married Darby - who has won the coveted AG crown three times and is nicknamed 'Angles' - was not worried about the disgrace his tricks could bring on the game.

He was more concerned about covering his back.

Dressed in a red and white striped shirt, blue jeans, a red bandanna and a patch over his left eye, Darby at one point even jokingly asked if there were hidden cameras in the seedy Brixham bar. - little suspecting that every word WAS being captured by our team, who he'd met for the first time just hours earlier.

Angles and Naylor unnaware that there antics are being photographed

Having raised the subject of match fixing with Darbys' dodgy manager Naylor at previous meetings, our investigators sat down with the two men on Friday morning to sort out the mechanics of the scam.

Naughty Naylor shaking hands at a previous meeting earlier in the day

The idea agreed earlier by Naylor was for Darby to deliberately lose four frames in separate tournaments, the AG Cup, The Easter Sunflower Challenge, The Summer Sunshine Challenge and The Coca Cola Triangular Series. Now the player himself had to rubber-stamp the details. . .

'Our man on the job'. Naylor unnaware of the set up

REPORTER: "Right, this will purely be four, we'll shake hands on it and that's the end of the matter. But more important is how would you lose a frame? That's what I want to know, how would that work? 

"Because, you know, you're the bloody AG Cup champion!"

Darby: "would it be against Andrew cus he is the best and would look a lot less suspicious?"

REPORTER: "Well you tell me. I mean. . . you can't lose against someone rubbish like 'the bullet' and then go to Kingswinford and lose against Gavin Preston.

"That's stupid, that's plain stupid. And it doesn't make financial sense for these guys (the shady betting syndicates financing the proposed events).

"It has to be against somebody that is. . ."

Darby: "Against somebody that's goodish and it's easier."

REPORTER: "Against someone like Andrew or Stephen. No one needs to know."

Darby: "It's easy. Its easy."

Naylor: "You make one mistake. . ."

Darby: "You don't even have to make a mistake."

REPORTER: "You have to be sure if you're going to tell him 'Frame three I'm going to lose."

Darby: "Oh yeah. Frame three I'm going to lose, yes, yes."

REPORTER: "Yeah, but I mean what if he gets a good break? What's the risk factor I mean?"

Darby: "No risk. No, because you can miss."

'Our other reporter.'

Having agreed to the proposed deal, Darby and Naylor were keen to discuss the money - even suggesting that it be hidden as a payment for wearing a sponsor's logo on Darbys' waistcoat.

And they raised the possibility the illicit payment be hidden as a sponsorship deal which, under EU rules, would allow them to avoid tax.

Not that the star needs the money - he has banked more than £5.00 prize money since turning professional in 1992 and winning his first tournament,the church alive kettle, two years later.

As the talks continued, Darby - now playing an active role in the discussions - had his own ideas about how the cash could be paid over without raising the suspicions of the authorities.

Turning to Naylor, he said: "I've got a property in Quinton.

"I'm thinking to myself... is there any way. . . We could hide it as a mortgage repayment. Would they look me out if it showed as a credit of 26.00?"

Naylor replied: "They would be asking where that money came from."

All Darbys' ducking and diving will shock fans who admire his straightforward family image. The keen Aston Villa supporter married wife Rebekah in 2005. Earlier this year Mark appeared on A Question of Sport. And after this year's AG Cup victory, Darby paid a special tribute to his wife.

Rebekah will be telling him something else today.

For, still obsessed with his own safety and hiding the illicit payments rather than the image of snooker itself, Darby told our men: "I'm just frightened that obviously. . . "

Naylor: "That it comes up on the radar?"

Darby: "It is a hell of a lot of money."

REPORTER: "For a professional bloody snooker player? I mean you earned something like close to
3.00 last year didn't you? The books show you earned close to that."

Darby: "Yeah, what I am saying is that it is a hell of a lot of money. . . "

Naylor: ". . . to kind of appear."

Then Darby seems to be wondering how much the backroom paymasters will making.

Darby: "Let me get this straight. For four frames, so you're thinking, divide that, £75.00. You've got to earn more than that per frame."

REPORTER: "Don't you worry about our side. You worry about your side. How you want to get paid?"

Darby: "I'm not worrying about your side."

As the conversation continued, our reporter once again checked that Darby was clear about what was expected of him, losing four separate frames, one per tournament.

Darby's simple damning response was a definite: "Yes!"

Moments later the snooker star and his agent rose to their feet and shook hands to seal their dodgy deal.

Darby & Naylor make their way into the seedy Brixham bar minutes before the dodgy deal was done

SNOOKER'S top player Andrew Darby was "mortified" to learn of the bribery scandal - and pledged an immediate backing to any inquiry.

Mr Darby, nicknamed The Young Contender - said it was "a massive blow to the integrity of the sport."

The shocked World Number 1 said: "Mark is my closest rival in the sport and also my brother, I am absolutely mortified.

"He is someone I would never expect this of. He has always been an ambassador to the game.

"He is in a very responsible position.

"If these allegations against him and Naylor are true it is a very serious matter indeed and a massive, massive blow to the integrity of the sport.

"We have stringent disciplinary procedures for players bringing the game into disrepute.

"My views about cheating are well known.

"I will back any inquiry in full so these antics can be dealt with swiftly.

"It's a very serious matter that needs to be looked into immediately and firm action taken."

Meanwhile Mark Darby has been suspended from the sport pending that enquiry. Stay with spanglefish.com/theyoungcontender for updates as they progress.

Latest Score From The Newbury Conference Centre

Andrew Darby V Mark Darby

Match due to start at 7 30pm BST

CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Statement to Follow.....

World Snooker Announce Date For Easter Sunflower Challenge

World Snooker have this evening announced that The Easter Sunflower Challenge Final will take place on Tuesday 25 May 2010 at The Newbury Conference Centre at 7.30pm.

The match is the second of three that Andrew Darby and Mark Darby play in a year with a lot riding on it. If Mark can win, it will be goodbye to Andrew's World Number 1 status. If Andrew wins, the dream of the Grand Slam will be over for The Angles and a nail biting date in the summer will determine who will be the prestigious World Number 1.

For all the action please tune into Darby TV from 7pm who will bring you live, unninterupted coverage from the best of 9 encounter.

Contender Accuses Angles of 'Stalling Tactics' as Easter Sunflower Date Still in Limbo

Andrew Kisses the Easter Sunflower Challenge Trophy Which he Won as Part of His Quintuple Winning Season Last Year

Andrew Darby today has said he is 'fed up' of waiting for Mark Darby to agree a date with World Snooker for the Easter Sunflower Challenge 2010. Speaking to Darby TV, Andrew seemed frustrated at the situation:

'I was expecting to play this match over a month ago and Mark and his agent keep putting off approaches from my people to get this match on. I think that these are deliberate stalling tactics in order to try to get under my skin. I have no shame in admitting that he has succeeded with this but when we do fix a date, I will gain some revenge for my final pink loss in The AG Cup'.

Mark Darby was unnavailable for comment. However sources close to Mark have suggested this match will take place within the next 10 days. 

Andrew back in action for first time since AG Cup defeat

Andrew Darby plays a exhibition match tonight against arch rival Gavin J Preston at the Golden Cue Arena.

Andrew is using this as warm up for his up coming Easter Sunflower Challenge which takes place shortly. To find out the score check back later.

Final Score from The Golden Cue Arena:

Andrew Darby 4-0 Gavin J Preston

YC Bids Emotional Farewell to His Beloved AG Cup

Andrew Darby has been in the recording studio today recording a special one off track, entitled 'It's Out of my Life'. The song, which uses the Michael Jackson backing track, is a heartfelt goodbye to his most treasured snooker possession.

Andrew has recorded this especially for his website and can be viewed simply by clicking on the play button. It also depicts photo's and video's of Andrew's most treasured snooker memories and also scenes from that gut wrenching day on Monday.

'This is a gift to my fans from me. I want them to know how much this meant to me and how much it hurt to lose it. However, I am fully focussed on retaining The Easter Sunflower Challenge' in a couple of months and I know that in a years time, my beloved AG Cup will be back with me once again.

The 'It's Out of my Life' video has been created by YC Productions and distributed through Youtube and spanglefish.com/theyoungcontender. 

YC Productions and Andrew Darby are not responsible for the content of external sites.

Contender 'Gutted' by Defeat But Admits, 'It's Good For Snooker'

Andrew leaves NCC with a lot to ponder

Andrew Darby has today been reflecting on his AG Cup defeat last night at the hands of arch rival Mark 'Angles' McDarby. Speaking to his official website, spanglefish.com/theyoungcontender, he was in philosophical mood.

'I am gutted that I lost last night and to lose on the final pink makes it even harder. I could have won the match by at least 6-3, but I couldn't pot the final ball needed when we got to the colours stage on at least 4 occasions'.

He continued, 'All credit to Mark, he played really well and deserves his win. In a way, it is good for snooker that he won, because when one man dominates, even I can appreciate that it can become tedious for the fans. I look forward to The easter Sunflower Challenge where once again, I look to defend my trophy and now my world number 1 status. I would like to offer my congratulations once again to Mark on a fantastic performance last night and a really great match'.

Angles Shows His Class to Regain AG Cup

Mark Darby, last night, finally delivered what he has been threatening the last 12 months. In a battling display of guts, determination and pride, Angles achieved the unthinkable when he broke The Young Contenders 2 year winnig streak.

To be fair, it had to happen eventually and what a match this turned out to be. It had long pots, excellent safety exchanges and above all, it had tension.

 Mark Darby's Intro into The NCC

Andrew Darby's Intro into The NCC

Frame 1 started very cagey as both men were desperate not to make a mistake and allow the other in. In what proved to be the longest frame of the match at 25 minutes, it was Andrew who came out on top, finally winning it on the pink and making the score 1-0.

Frame 2 started a lot quicker and it was Andrew who seemed the more positive. As the frame progressed, Andrew looked more and more dangerous and was 21 points ahead with 22 on. From nowhere Mark turned on the style by knocking in brown, blue and a shot of the match pink which took him right round the angles and leave him set up perfectly to knock the black in and take an unlikely 2nd frame. 1-1.

Mark Darby early on in frame 2 in a spot of bother behind the blue

Frame 3 was again an open affair with Angles getting the breaks and some luck. He took the frame on the pink to take the lead for the first time in the match.

It was not long before he had doubled that advantage, as a sloppy long pot attempt wobbled the jaw and allowed Mark in. He took full advantage and went into the mid-session leading by 3 frames to 1.

frame 5 saw Andrew reduce his deficit by a frame as he made breaks of 14 and 12. Mark was never really in this one and Contender fans were delighted to see their man back in this at just 3-2 down.

Andrew rolls in a tricky red to middle in frame 5

Frame 6 was just as close with Angles restoring his 2 frame advantage. Andrew was cursing his luck when he fouled twice on the brown allowing Angles in to clear the blue and pink needed to go 4-2 ahead.

The Young Contender had to prove what he was worth and in frame 7, he didn't disappoint. Making breaks of 16 and 9 he looked in glorious form and comfortably took it to make it 4-3.

Andrew flukes a plant in frame 7

With a packed NCC arena, the crowd were sensing this could go the distance and they were even more sure when Andrew rolled a delicate final black into the middle pocket to take the frame by a single point and bring the match once again level at 4-4.

With the time past 10pm and a tense, pressure cooker atmosphere both men were willing to rise to the challenge as once again the frame went to the wire. Andrew was 1 points ahead with 18 on but Mark once again showed he can pot balls from all angles and sunk the blue and pink. Andrew then in uncharacteristic fashion stood the black up in the middle of the table and Mark gratefully stroked it home to go 5-4 up with 2 to play.

Angles with a lot to think about in frame 9

The 10th frame was as intense as the previous with Andrew again in charge throughout most of it. However, once again he could not finish the frame off once they got to the colours and it was Angles who potted blue pink and black to force a re spot that could win him the title. Andre won the toss and allowed Mark to break. he left it in the middle of the table and a long pot was on. The Young Contender got down on the shot, heart beating and he sunk it into the middle of the pocket. The crowd roared as the match rumbled on to its deserved final frame.

With a nervy crowd cheering everything Andrew was in first anfd again led throughout the frame. Getting to the colour, he was 4 points up and knocked in yellow and green. He then misse dthe brown and Mark knocke it in and the blue. With things as tight as they had been throughout, The players were treating us to some top class snooker. 

Andrew then heartbreakingly, went in off from a difficult attempt at a pot and Mark lined up the shot and knocked it in to the middle pocket. The crowd roared as Angles punched the air. He had achieved the unthinkable and beaten the Quintuple champion by 6 frames to 5.  

Andrew was the first to congratulate him and he shook him warmly by the hand and gave him a hug.

These 2 players have treated us to some top class entertainment and we at www.spanglefish.com/TheYoungContender would like to offer Mark our congratulations on winning The AG Cup for the 3rd time in his career.

Final score from a sintilating night at The Newbury Conference Centre. Andrew Darby 5-6 Mark Darby.

Mark 'Angles' McDarby kisses the AG Cup as he wins it for the 3rd time in his sparkling career

 Mark Darby's post match interview after his AG Cup 2010 victory

Andrew Darby's post match interview after his AG Cup 2010 defeat 

YC Productions and Andrew Darby are not responsible for the content of external sites

Result From The Newbury Conference Centre

The AG Cup 2010

Monday 22 February 2010 19:30GMT

Andrew Darby  5-6  Mark Darby

Mark Darby regains AG Cup

Match Report to follow.....

Contender: 'I am Ready'

Andrew and Mark shake hands exactly a year ago today

Andrew Darby has today spoken ahead of his AG Cup showdown with arch rival Mark Darby on Monday and claims that he is more then ready to retain his AG Cup.

Speaking exactly a year on from when he reclaimed it in 2009 Andrew admitted that time has flown by.

'I can't believe where the time is gone. It has been a roller coaster of a 12 months and I am obviously delighted at what I have achieved. However, it will all be in vain if I cannot retain this trophy on Monday night. This is the big one and the showpiece event me and Mark build towards all year. I am extremely happy to be attempting to win the prestigious trophy for the 4th time in my career and if successful, I will be definately starting to think about an unthinkable 2nd successive Grand Slam and maybe even another Qunituple. I look forward to meet Mark and to see how his game has developed since we last met in December at The Coca Cola Triangular Series'.

AG Cup 6 will be exclusively live on Darby TV from 7.00pm on Monday 22 February 2010. For free, frame by frame text alerts, simply email theyoungcontender@yahoo.com and request them for the match providing us with a mobile number.

Contender Delighted at 4th Title Defence But Admits 'Gavin Had Me Worried'

Andrew Darby was in buoyant mood this morning as he last night successfully retained his Eeyore Trophy for the third time. However, it was not as plain sailing as was billed as a Superb Rowley Wizard showed us glimpses of the potential Andrew has been speaking about for years.

Speaking outside his training centre Andrew said, 'I was delighted to see Gavin battle his way back into the match. From 3-0 down, a lesser man would have crumbled but he fought back and I was extremely worried at some moments in the game. I am sure that in a few years or sooner he can win one of these titles and I urge him to keep his head up and remain focussed'.

Andrew has now turned his attentions fully on the showpiece event of the season. The AG Cup takes place next Monday 22 Feb and play will get underway at 7.30pm.

'I am in confident mood and I know as long as I play well, there is no reason why I cant also win The AG Cup for the 4th time this season too. I look forward for my battle to recommence with Mark and I am hoping for a good challenge in order to improve me as a player'. 

The 2010 AG Cup will be exclusively live only on Darby TV (HD) from 7pm on Monday,

For free frame by frame text alerts please email theyoungcontender@yahoo.com and state your mobile number and the match you require them for.

Solid Contender Holds Nerve To Resist Fightback From Wonderful Wizard

Andrew Darby Last night extended his winning streak to 2 years as he won the Eeyore Trophy for the 4th time in his career. This was not however, the walk in the park that was billed as The Rowley Wizard proved a very worthy opponent in what proved to be a wonderful match at the famous NCC.

Andrew's first entry as the Quintuple Champion

Andrew and Gavin pose for traditional pre match handshake

From the opening exchanges, it was Andrew that looked the most dangerous as the opening frame saw breaks of 15 and 14 which eased him into the match to make it 1-0 in no time at all.

The 2nd frame was very much the same in that Andrew raced ahead and never let it slip. By this point, Andrew looked in devastating form and it was clear Gavin had it all to do, just to make the score look respectable 2-0.

In the third, it was The Wizard who was first to strike making a competent break of 14 before missing an easy pink to allow Andrew in to make a break of 17. This spurred him on to lay a wonderful snooker and as a result make another break of 14 giving him the frame and a whitewash seemed on the cards. 3-0.

In the last frame before the mid-session interval, it was finally time to see what Preston was capable of. He was devastating amongst the balls and Andrew could only hold onto him because of his exceptional safety play. With the final 3 colurs on the table, disaster once again struck for The Young Contender as his tip fell off his cue and was forced to play the remainder of the frame shring the cue with The Rowley Wizard. The frame, predictably, went to the final black and just when Andrew thought he had sunk it in the middle pocket it wobble and rolled over the corner giving Gavin the frame on the plate and meaning the score at the mid-session interval was 3-1.

With Andrew's tip safely back on his cue he seemed like he had put losing the 4th behind him. However, GAvin had other ideas as he seemed unstoppable and took the frame comfortably by a clear 26 points. Contender fans were starting to worry as the score became 3-2.

In the next, it was Andrew who seemed to have recaptured his nerve and while not altogether convincing, he did enough to restore a 2 frame advantage and make it 4-2.

With the time now approaching 10pm, a war was raging on between these 2 fierce competitors. Andrew was again 2nd best and before he knew it, Gavin had done more then enough to take the frame and to pull it back to within just one.

It was then that Andrew really had to shine and he showed the courageous battling qualities that have endeared him to the hearts of the nation. He quickly reeled off the next 2 leaving a stunned Gavin seemingly an impossible up hill struggle. If Gavin was going to win The Eeyore Trophy for the first time in his career, he would have to win the final 4 frames of the match. 6-3.

With Darby TV rolling the clock was past 10.30pm and Contender fans were hoping that he would wrap it up with a convincing 7-3 scoreline. This however was not the case as Gavin showed us again, just what he is capable of and won the frame to pull it back to within just 2, but still needing the final 3 frames. 6-4

4 frames was as good as it got for the courageous Rowley Wizard as Andrew turned on the fire once again to comfortably take the 11th frame and with it, the cheque, the trophy and The title of Eeyore Trophy Champion 2010.

Andrew Darby wins his 4th successive Eeyore Trophy

 Andrew's post match interview

YC Productions and Andrew Darby are not responsible for the content of external sites

Result From The Newbury Conference Centre

The Eeyore Trophy 2010

Monday 15 February 2010 19:30GMT

Andrew Darby 7 - 4 Gavin J Preston

Andrew Darby retains The Eeyore Trophy

Match Report to follow...

'Quintuple', Official AG Cup Single Now on General Sale 

The front cover of the new single

Andrew Darby's new single has been released today. It is simply entitled 'Quintuple'. This has been released just a week before the main event and celebrates the 2009 Quintuple as well as looking ahead to winning the 2010 AG Cup for the 4th time.

The single also includes a a brand new track 'Mr Angles' which talks all about Andrew's arch rival Mark 'Angles' McDarby and how badly he beat him last year.

To order your copy, simply click on 'Official YC Shop' from the main menu and pay via the paypal link. Alternatively, click on 'Order YC's Album' and fill in the box at the bottom stating clearly that you wish to order the 'Quintuple' AG Cup single. The cost of the single is £2.00.  

Darby: I Can't Wait to Get Back Into The NCC

Andrew Darby winning The Eeyore trophy in 2009

Andrew Darby has this afternoon commented on how excited he is that the new season is about to begin. The Quintuple Champion and World Number 1 was in confident mood ahead of his Eeyore Trophy showdown with The Rowley Wizard tomorrow night.

 I am looking forward to put my young friend through the mill. I expect a short, but explosive night as I reace to the 7 frames required for victory. I am in fine form and this will be a great stepping stone in order for me to retain my AG Cup next week'.

The Eeyore  Trophy coincides with the release of Andrew's official AG Cup Single 'Quintuple' which goes on general sale from tomorrow only on spanglefish.com/theyoungcontender.

Catch the Eeyore Trophy exclusively live on Darby TV (HD) from 7pm tomorrow evening.

YC Brand Introduce New Sponsor to The Young Contender Family

The badge that Andrew will be wearing on his waistcoat 

Andrew Darby has today announced that he has a new sponsor which have signed with him for the 2010 season.

Crush, Stripes and Squids dance groups are dance classes run by wife Faye Darby and Andrew is happy to promote the club on his waistcoat at everyone of his matches this year.

'This is a fantastic deal we have put together. We do not take any money for the sponsorship but feel it is right to advertise the great work that Faye is doing with the young people in the area. We, as a brand have already had a lot to do with the groups and YC Productions was the production company assigned to deal with filming of their last Dance Show 'Musical Mayhem'. We are extremely happy and look forward for a long lasting relationship with the classes'.

Andrew will also be wearing the Darby TV logo on his waistcoat along with the YC brand logo. This, together with the words 'Quintuple Champion 2009' will make up a fantastic new look for the 2010 season.

Contender Angered by Comments From Unknown Snooker Flop 'Milzy The Destroyer'

Andrew Darby has today responded to comments from Gavin J Preston's practice partner Adam Mills.

The 17 year old calling himself 'Milzy the Destroyer' was reported to have said that the Rowley Wizard will defeat Andrew in next weeks Eeyore Trophy and that Andrew is massively overrated as a force to be reckoned with.

Speaking to Darby TV The Young Contender had this to say. 'I will be honest when I say I have no clues who this Milzy character is or what he represents but if he thinks that Gavin will beat me, then he can chat it all he likes. I will let my game do the talking and will win the Eeyore Trophy once again for a record 4th consecutive time'.

Andrew also learned that Mills also lost 5-1 to Preston earlier in the month at an exhibition match. 'To be honest that says it all. If this lad is losing 5-1 to an amateur like Gavin J Preston then maybe he needs to concentrate on his own game a lot before even beginning to run his mouth on mine. Whenever this boy wants a game I will annialate him and show him how to play the beautiful game'. 

The Eeyore Trophy is live and exclusive on Monday 15 February 2010 from 19:30 GMT only on Darby TV (HD).  

Contender Announces Release Date For AG Cup Single 'The Quintuple'

The Young Contender has today announced his plans to release a single ahead of the AG Cup called 'The Quintple'. This will be backed up by a b-side track 'Mr Angles' and it will be released on Monday 15 February; 1 week before The prestigious AG Cup final.

Andrew has already recorded 'Mr Angles' and will be in the recording studio over the next few days finishing off the title track.

The origins of the 2 tracks are being kept close to the chest but Andrew has hinted that it may not be just him singing on 'The Quintuple'. 

'I am really excited about this single and am looking forward to record my latest track in the next few days. I have invited a backing band to sing with me and I am looking forward to see what results we get'.

Speaking abot the match itself Andrew appears in upbeat mood. 'I am extremely excited to be locking horns with Mark once again. The battle will be intense. I am sticking more with my new motto this season which is 'play the game not the occasion'. This means that where the match is concerned I do not want to be saying too much as I have done in previous years. Lets just say i am fully focussed on the task at hand and I know come 10pm on 22 February, the AG Cup will be back in my trophy cabinet for another year'.

Please keep it with spanglefish.com/theyoungcontender for more news and views from the legend that is The Young Contender.

World Snooker Announce Date For AG Cup 6

World Snooker have today announced that the 6th AG Cup will be played on the evening of Monday 22 February 2010.

The Match will feature the champion, Andrew Darby against last years runner-up Mark Darby. Darby TV have also confirmed that they will be broadcasting the match live.

Speaking to Darby TV earlier today, The Young Contender was delighted that an agreement on the date had been reached.

'I am delighted that we have this date and my training can be fully focussed for me to peak on this date. I have my coacg Stephen Bullock with me and we will be working on some new things to make sure that I retain this prestigious trophy and make it the 4th time I have won the event'.

He continued; 'I am sure Mark will want to put his humiliation of last season behind him and will be fully focussed on getting back to winning ways next month. I will be fully prepared to counteract any problems he tries to cause for me on the green baize. I am looking forward to the new season and am 100% determined to retain all 5 of my magnificent trophies that I won in 2009'.

World Snooker have also announced that the Eeyore trophy will take place the week before on 15 February 2010 at The Newbury Conference Centre again to be shown live on Darby TV.

 Andrew Winning The AG Cup Last Year 

Eeyore Trophy Date Announced

World Snooker have today announced that the Eeyore Trophy will take place on Monday 15 February 2010 just one week before the expected date of The AG Cup.

The tournament; which Andrew convincingly won 7-3 last year against The Rowley Wizard will see the pair meet again in a best of 13 encounter.

The match will be live and exclusive only on Darby TV (HD) from 19:30 GMT

The Quintuple, 'In My Own Words' Now Out on General Sale

The Young Contenders latest project is now available to purchase online.

To order your copy of 'The Quintuple, In my Own Words', simply click on 'order YC's Album' and follow the link.

To Order via PayPal please click on 'Official YC Shop' and again, follow the link.

 

 The Quintuple 'In My Own Words' Set For Release Next Week

The Young Contender has today announced that his forthcoming DVD, The Quintuple 'In My Own Words' is set for release on Monday 7 December 2009.

Above: The Front Cover Of The New DVD & Below: The Back Cover of the new DVD

The DVD which has now been sent out for review to a select list of people including, Gavin J Preston, Dr Stephen Bullock, Brian 'The Bullet' Darby and arch rival, Mark 'Angles' McDarby.

It is set to be available via this website from Monday by clicking on the link 'order YC's Album' or by clicking on 'Official YC Shop' and paying via PayPal. The album will be set at a cost of £5.00 and an extra £1.00 will be added for postage and packaging. 

Taken from the back of the DVD:

 In 2009, A Star became a Legend. He had promised so much to his fans over the years and this was the year he repaid them…

To preorder the DVD please follow the link below and you will be contacted by The Young Contenders Merchandise team.  

http://www.spanglefish.com/TheYoungContender/feedback.asp

Result From The Golden Cue Arena

Coca Cola Triangular Series 2009

Round 1

Andrew Darby 0 1 Stephen Bullock

Stephen Bullock 1 0 Mark Darby

Andrew Darby 1 0 Mark Darby

Final

Andrew Darby 1 0 Stephen Bullock

Andrew Darby wins The Coca Cola Triangular Series 2009

Contender: 'My Form Goes Before Me'

Andrew Darby has today talked for the first time about his feelings towards up coming invitational tournament, The Coca Cola Triangular Series.

With World Snooker announcing the dates, Andrew was predictably the first of the 3 players to make his feelings known.

'I am extremely confident about this years tournament. It has been a sort of spur of the moment thing, but I am delighted that we could agree a date and get this famous trophy back on the table to play for.

I am under no illusions as to how tough this will be. The 2 time defending champion Stephen Bullock will be well up for it, but I would suggest he is not a 100% focussed on his snooker at the moment. It is no secret that he has taken a few years off from the game and I think this will have some bearing on his performance this year. However, he is still a very dangerous opponent, that is why he is my coach! If I do not remain totally focussed and do what I know I can, he will punish me.

Mark Darby is also very dangerous. While I don't worry going into a game, if I were, it would be about this lad. Although I have beaten him 3 times this year, he has played really well in at least 2 of those matches. I am aware he is hard on the practise table and is determined to get his career back on track with an impressive performance.

It will be a classic tournament and I am really looking forward to it. As the Quituple Champion I feel its of vital importance to continue to impress my fans. 

World Snooker Announce Date for Coca Cola Triangular Series

World Snooker have today announced that The Coca Cola Triangular Series is to take place on Saturday 14 November 2009 8pm at The Golden Cue Arena.

This is a landmark move as it is the first Triangular series to take place on a 12' 6' table. However, it does keep up with its tradition of being the tournament that tours as it now will have taken place at the Carlisle Crucible, The Newbury Conference Centre and The Golden Cue Arena. 

World Snooker have also confirmed the rumour that, asp reviously reported, it will not be televised. As it is an invitational event, We feel it not right to open the bidding up to the TV Companies. The 3 players involved, Andrew Darby, Stephen Bullock and Mark Darby, have reluctantly agreed to this proposal. 

YC Productions Show Us First Glimpse of Quintuple DVD

YC Productions have today launched the official trailer for the Young Contenders Official DVD, 'The Quintuple, In my Own Words'.

The DVD, set for release in December 2009 is a season review of everything that has happened in what has been quite a remarkable season.

To view the official trailer simply press play

If you are having trouble seeing this video, click on the link below to direct you to the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vyJxitFn-g

To pre-order the DVD please follow the link below

http://www.spanglefish.com/TheYoungContender/feedback.asp

Please note: The Young Contender and his support team are not responsible for the content of external internet sites. These video links are provided by Youtube and the contents remains the property of The Young Contender Productions

Wonderful Contender Makes it 5 out of 5 to Round Off Record Breaking Season

The Young Contender playing a shot early in the 2nd frame

The name of Andrew Darby goes on the trophy for the third consecutive time

 

The Young Contender delighted at third consecutive Summer Living Sundae Bowl Challenge Victory

Andrew poses with all 5 trophies and 'The Magic Cue' and reflects on a brilliant season on the green baize

Result From The Newbury Conference Centre

The Summer Living Sundae Bowl Challenge

Andrew Darby 5-1 Gavin J Preston

Match Report to follow

Contender: The Quintuple is The Last Thing on my Mind

The Summer Living Sundae Bowl Trophy

The Young Contender has, last night, rejected claims from the Gavin Preston camp that all he cares about is the quintuple. speaking to Radio 5 Live, Andrew has said he will play this trophy 'on it's own merits' and treat it like he treats every match, 'as if its the biggest of my life'.

'I am really looking forward to the match but it would be wrong of me to presume I had already won it as some reports suggest. Gavin is a very good player and if I do not produce my A Game, I could walk away losing this trophy. It is true that I have never lost to Gavin in 10 matches, (competition-5, Exhibition-5) but he has showed his skills with a cue and will want this so bad'.

'This match is a wonderful tournament in its own right and it would not be right to just call it one of the 5. It is a very big occasion. I am ready for the challenge and know I have it in me to retain it for the 2nd time in my career'.

The Summer Living Sundae Bowl Challenge is exclusively live on Darby TV, Broadband and Mobile from 7.30pm tonight. To sign up for text alerts please send an email to theyoungcontender@yahoo.com and you will be added to the list.

Result From The Golden Cue Arena

Andrew Darby 4-0 Paul Clague

Andrew Darby has sent a powerful message to Gavin J Preston tonight, by winning his exhibition match by a blistering 4 frames to 0 against The Sheffield Stealer.

In reality, the match was a lot closer then it looked as Clague failed to capitalise fully on any real chance he had.

Frame 1 saw a nervy opening exchange as both mens safety play was being firmly tested. Paul led throughout, but we saw The Young Contenders fighting abilities, to come back and take it on the black.

Frame 2 should also have gone the way of The Sheffield Stealer and he would consider himself unlucky to have lost by 11 points with still the black remaining, although you can't take away the beatiful attacking nature of Andrew' final brown, blue and pink.

The third frame was really all about The Young Contender. He was in charge from the start and took it comfortably. 

Darby was 22 up in the last with only 18 left on the table. Paul admirably got the points he needed and just had to pot a relatively easy black to claw back a bit of pride. He missed it and Darby gratefully took the chance to whitewash his opponent.

The Young Contender maintains his 100% record for 2009 and is now looking forward to next week where he will be bidding to retain the Summer Living Sundae Bowl Challenge and win it for a record breaking third time in succession.

Contender Announces Warm up Match in Preparation for Quintouple Finale

Andrew Darby will be in action tonight against his old foe, The Sheffield Stealer, Paul Clague.

'The Sheffield Stealer' is no pushover

They will be having an exhibition match at the Golden Cue Arena. This will be played in front of a packed out crowd desperate to see what sort of form Andrew is in ahead of his final tournament of the season next Tuesday.  

Speaking to BBC Sport, Andrew appeared in confident mood.

'I have had a really good break since I took The Grand Slam back in July. I have had some quality time with my family and am now looking forward to make one final assault next Tuesday to create history by winning The Quintouple'.

Speaking about the match tonight, Andrew Commented, 'I am very excited to be taking on one of my old friends. We have played many times in the past and things have always been tight. We go a long way back but have not played for some years now. It will be interesting for me to see how his game has developed during that time.

Paul is an excellent player and I look forward to the match tonight. I am sure it will be a great affair and I can give my fans a chance to see the sort of form I am in going into next Tuesdays massive match against the Rowley Wizard.

Andrew takes on Paul tonight at 7.30pm. Catch exclusive highlights of the match at 11.30pm only on Darby TV (now in HD)

World Snooker Announce 6 October For Summer Living Sundae Bowl Challenge

World Snooker has today announced Tuesday 6 April as the date for the Summer Living Sundae Bowl Challenge.

The Match will be live on Darby TV (now in HD) from 7pm on the night and will be held at the Newbury Conference Centre in Oldbury.

Contender Launches 'Pain For Preston' Campaign

The Young Contender has today began the build up to the Summer Living Sundae Bowl Challenge by starting a 'Pain For Preston' Campaign.

Andrew has promised all his fans that he will destroy the young Gavin Preston when they meet in October for the tournament also promising that 'this will be where the quintouple is won'.

Gavin J Preston is a no hoper ahead of October's Tournament

Speaking exclusively to www.spanglefish.com/TheYoungContender, Andrew has commented that this will be his finest hour.

'I am extremely excited about the upcoming match and I know that I can finally call myself the Quintouple Champion when it is over. I am looking to give Gavin a lot to think about in the build up and during the match so that he will not be able to cope with the extreme pressure he will face. I look forward to playing him and am excited for the date to be announced shortly'.