THE Channel Islands junior pool team edged an 8-7 thriller against Northern Ireland yesterday to secure a semi-final place in the 2010 European Championships.

The youngsters are the only ones left to represent the islands following a disappointing day three for the CI at the Baracelo Hotel in Daventry.

However, top Sarnian female player Rachel Chandler (pictured) can be proud of her efforts against former world and European champion Sharon Dickson in their last-16 women’s singles clash.

The Welsh player looked in determined mood as she quickly claimed the opening frame in the best-of-nine encounter, but Chandler responded brilliantly and calmly made a fine clearance to level the match.

The Sarnian then opened frame three with some fine pots but a slight error let in her opponent and Dickson was ruthless as replied with a tight snooker before returning to the table to clear up.

Subsequent frames followed a similar pattern, being tight and tactical, before Dickson continually edged the battle in a 5-1 victory.

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