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2007 World Championship Junior Report.
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Yvonne writes 
I think we all had great hopes for Steve at The World Championship's this year after losing last year in the first round to Jake McCarthey from Australia. Kyle Pickett also made his second appearance on the World Stage earning his rightful place (in my opinion) in the England Junior Team.
It was Steve's first year as Captain of the team, and we all went to Blackpool hoping for an English victory for the 4th year running.
The first game saw a very comfortable win over Australia of 13/2, the next game was against Northern Ireland and the boys lost 8/7. After that they went on to win every game, seeding the England boys top.
In the semi finals they had to play Wales, and were neck and neck all the way through the game. It came down to a decider, and Kyle (who had sat on the bench for all of the game) was called upon to play the last frame. The tension was immense as young Ricky Hillier from Wales had control of the game, but he let Kyle in at the last minute. Kyle missed the black, and it became a game of tactics and dare!
Kyle came through in the end, won the frame and was the hero of the championships!
The final between England and Scotland was fantastic to watch. England went 7/0 up to win eventually 8/1!!!
England (including Surreys Steve Petty and Kyle Pickett as well as Jack Pople of Region 7) were World Junior Champions again!!!!!!
The World Junior Singles event was a different matter. Steve and Kyle looked to have the easier draws out of the England boys, as there were fewer known players in that half, but an unknown called Sean Conway from Ireland had been playing very well throughout the team games and was joint top of the rankings with Steve. Steve met him in the last 16 and lost to him on a 6-6 decider. Steve pulled out one of the best shots Brian and I have ever seen to pot his last yellow, but the white ball knocked a red to snooker him on the black, and unfortunately he lost the match. Sean then proceeded to anhiliate the opposition, including Kyle, to end up in the final against Tom Cousins. Sean gained a confortable victory, beating Tom 7/2.
For the first time I can remember, there were no English boys in the last four.
On to the Junior World Masters. This was the inaugural year for this competition, and all the England squad were invited to play. Steve had a tough draw, including a preliminary round, but his dissapointment in the Junior World event, had spurred him on to play some of the best pool we have ever seen. His wins included Jake McCarthy, Australia(5/0), Ryan Craig, N Ireland - a fellow IPA tour player - (6/3), and Tom Cousins, Wales in the final (7/2)
In the Mens World Masters, Steve got to last 16, where he was defeated by the Maltese No 1 ranked player.
Back row, left to right: Kyle Pickett, Surrey. Phil Parkin, Warwickshire. Michael Barron, South Yorkshire. Scott Surridge, Worcestershire. Grant Massey, Lancashire.
Front row, left to right: Steve Petty, Captain, Surrey. Judie Collins, Manager, Hertfordshire. Jack Pople, Vice Captain, London.
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