Snooker: Ricky Walden wins General Cup International

Jul 23 2009 by Paul Wheelock, Flintshire Chronicle

FLINTSHIRE star Ricky Walden’s love affair with the Far East has continued.

The world number 20 beat Chinese rising star Liang Wenbo 6-2 in the final of the inaugural General Cup International after losing to the world number 27 in the group stages of the Hong Kong event.

Bagillt-based Walden, who won the first ranking title of his career at the Shanghai Masters in October, recovered from that opening-match defeat to beat Chan Wai Kei 4-3 and then Tian Pengfei 5-1 in the semi-finals.

Walden has now jetted out to Taiwan to represent Great Britain at the World Games in Kaohsiung.

On his return from his three-week Asian tour, the 26-year-old former Flint High School student will take on Jimmy White in a challenge match at The Q Bar in Chester on Friday, August 7.

The legendary Whirlwind, who knocked-out defending champion Walden on his way to winning the SangSom 6-Red Snooker Grand Prix in Thailand earlier this month, will also play four frames against local players, who will be chosen via a raffle and an auction.

There are 140 tickets available, costing £20 each, and to book yours call 01244 316161.

Walden is one of the owners of newly-opened Q Bar, which is based on Volunteer Street and was formerly known as the Chester Snooker Centre.