Paddington Academy challenges Steve Davis

Recently Paddington Academy held its first snooker tournament with a high calibre guest, the six times world champion - Steve Davis.
The tournament organised in partnership with Accrington Academy (one of the 17 academies under the ULT umbrella) and the Paul Hunter Foundation was phenomenal throughout for both students and teachers alike. The specific aim of the charity, which takes its name after the well-known snooker player Paul Hunter who died at the age of 27 after suffering from a a type of cancer called neuroendocrine tumours, is to give underprivileged children the opportunity to develop an interest in snooker.
The students of the academy were very enthusiastic to take place in the first ever snooker tournament hosted by Paddington Academy and develop important practical skills while having great fun.  Teachers joined in as well but the real highlight of the day was the arrival of the snooker legend, Steve Davis.
The Six times world champion joined in with our students who were very excited to compete with Steve in a 60 seconds challenge and nine-reds challenge. Despite their best efforts none of our students could defeat the master. Until Alan Sullivan came. Alan, a sixth form student, snatched the game away, pocketing the black ball first. The champion took it well offering a handshake to Alan who later told us what he thought about the match: “I didn’t expect to win against a professional, but it makes me proud and happy.”  Steve played with other students, as well, including Brendan Osborn who said he was really excited when it was announced that he’s going to play against the pro; he said soon after: “I wasn’t upset for losing, I am really happy to even get a chance to play against Steve.”
Steve Davis said later on: “I’m having so much fun with these students; I hope that from this day the students do learn something new and get into snooker. Getting beaten by a six former wasn’t hard for me, it was good seeing other people playing and being good at snooker.”
A very exciting match was delivered by Paddington Academy Principal, Mrs Tomlinson who challenged the head of the Accrington Academy in a sixty second dispute. Mrs Tomlinson also showed some difficult tricks under the world champion`s guidance; everyone in the audience cheered for her.
Mohamed Mehanny, Year 11 and Ara Shikhalislami, Year 10 were the students who made it to the finals. The winner, Mohamed won a 15 inch plasma TV.
It was an incredible day from start to finish, the end of the day reaching a thrilling climax when all students received medals, pictures with Steve Davis, the wonderful experience of the day and yet another surprise – all participants were presented with autographed snooker cues.