This week sees us take to the 2025 Singles Ko first round, as always there are a lot of great matches. The early favourites will want to avoid any slip-ups.
There are too many matches to preview all of them, so as is customary, I will preview the ones that Steve Christy has selected as the Super7 matches.

The full list of matches and venues can be seen here.

Carol Cheffings (Waggon & Horses ‘B’) v Mark Rushton (The Sidings)
Both of these players are very experienced league players, and both are very capable players who can pot for fun. However, these two are equally adept at the dark arts of the safety game. Any neutral observers should be prepared for anything and everything. Carol on a good day can pot off lampshades and is very dangerous. Mark – or Speedy as everyone knows him – is one of the most patient players I have come across, and with his tactical mind can put you in trouble before you even realise it.

Leigh Mitchell (Strawberry Gardens) v Wil Sessnon (Waggon & Horses)
One of the most interesting games of the round – players of equal ability, where neither will want to give any ground.
They both had decent seasons last year. Leigh, new to the league last year, settled in well and will fancy his chance here. Wil, on the other hand, has been around in this league for a long time now. Both are attack-minded players, but some have been at the end of Wil’s safety game and seen how capable it can be. They both have had good starts to the season, so this one could be close.

Phil Dodd (Studio Bar) v Andy Burton (Studio Bar) – Doubles Points Match
This one is an all-Studio affair, and the talent in this match is undeniable. Phil, making his return to the league after a few years out, is a well-known player in the northwest, and when he is on form, his game can be poetry in motion. Andy is also well-known in the pool world and will be hoping that he can put on his best game to get over the line. This one could be decided on break and dish; they are that good.

Mike Maunsell (Prince of Wales ‘B’) v Chrissy Ribbon (Prince of Wales ‘B’)
I will be honest. I know nothing of the first player. In all honesty, that can be a massive plus for a new player as their opponents won’t know how to play them. We saw it last year with plate singles winner Mark Ryan no one knew much about him. Chris, on the other hand, is a good old-fashioned potter, and he can be deadly when it comes to who can pot their way through.

Daniel Page (Steelworks Tavern) v Stewart Ingham (Gorton Con Club) 
This match could easily have been a double-point match. I have said it many times over the years: Daniel Page is one of the most naturally gifted players I have ever seen. The difference now is that he has started over the last couple of years to back it up, with team honours doubles plate victories and final appearances. Stewart, on the other hand, is also a brilliant player who has won it all or near enough. He is always calm and always seems so precise in all his shots that he can and does give anyone a tough match.

Lee Acheson (Prince of Wales) v Chris Eccleston (Studio Bar)
In another top-draw match, Lee has won pretty much everything there is to win in this league. He is a natural pool player who just sees things that others don’t. When he is in the mood, he can be unplayable, and it is no wonder why he is one of the most widely respected players in this league. Chris, on the other hand, is relatively new to the league and has now taken the captaincy on at the Studio. Having played with Chris at the Studio last season, it was clear to see how he can be as deadly as anyone. He has been putting in practice in other leagues and competitions, which can only improve his game. A very hard one to call.

Lee Corcoran (Strawberry Gardens) v Lee Mitchell (Studio Bar)
In the Battle of the Lees, the first Lee Corcoran was arguably the Strawberry Gardens’ best player last year. He can pot or snooker with the best of them. The issue for him is that he comes up against one of the most successful players in this league over the last couple of years. He is absolutely dynamite when he is playing well. The issue for his opponents is that even when playing badly, he is still better than most. I would say that Lee Mitchell will be most people’s favourite, but first-round surprises always happen.