Jack Whelan ousted Kristi Caulfield by less than half a second in the first 6-reds shootout of the 2022 Vinny.co.uk Ultimate Pool Champions League to qualify for the last 16.

One of the most exciting, high-quality and difficult to predict groups of the competition, there were several memorable moments throughout the night in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and it was former world champion Whelan who denied impressive qualifier Caulfield after both players finished undefeated on five points each.

The evening began with a match between the two. Whelan looked on course for maximum points when he led 3-1 with only 2 minutes and 16 seconds remaining. However, in this format, you are rarely ever safe, and after a dry break from Whelan, Irishman Caulfield made a rapid reverse clearance followed by a rapid break clearance to dramatically draw 3-3 and snatch a point.

Top seed for the night, reigning world and European blackball champion Scott Gillespie scored two break clearances as he defeated Rob Chilton 3-1. Chilton stayed out in the arena, although his hopes of progressing evaporated as Caulfield registered a fine 4-1 victory.

A new Ultimate Pool Professional for 2022, Whelan then put on an exquisite display of pool as he whitewashed Gillespie 4-0 to go joint top of the group with Caulfield on three points each heading into the final round of fixtures.

Caulfield – who booked his place in this live televised event after coming through a stacked qualification weekend a few weeks ago – continued to shine. A 9/1 outsider for the group before a ball was struck, he came from behind and won the final three frames to defeat Gillespie 4-2 and eliminate him.

That result put massive pressure on Whelan, who needed a win against fellow professional Chilton to force a 6-reds shootout. Even more pressure was applied when Chilton claimed the opening frame, but ‘The Wonder’ stayed composed, stringing together four consecutive frames for a 4-1 success.

With both players on the same number of points, a shootout was required – it was the first time that both players had been involved in one in an event. Caulfield won the lag and put Whelan in first, and the cueist from Derby registered an imposing time of 23.88 seconds. Caulfield put in a great reply but he fell just short with an effort of 24.17 in one of the tightest finishes ever seen.