Hello on a damp morning at Paraparaumu near Wellington. Chris Shilling, after victory against Greg Bryant paying Paul Shirley, beating Harps in SF.

Paul, playing R&Y won the opening tussle and is approaching hoop 2 with R. 3 is loaded and there's a ball in corner 2. Makes hoop and ignores B in cnr 2. Easy 3-ball break ahead...

Trying to juggle this with the AB's v Ireland in Chicago. Go the AB's!

Trying to juggle this with the AB's v Ireland in Chicago. Go the AB's!

With Father Christmas' audio commentary blaring in one ear, Skinley makes 4 with 5 loaded on the perfect blade of grass, as usual. Courts getting slower as showers persist but still a bit of pace - maybe 12 seconds?

Meanwhile, John Christie is leading the Plate competition with Brian Bullen in second place. Main final is bo3, btw.

Skinley collects the cnr 2 ball after making hoop 6 and has converted to a ball ball break. AB's catching up - 29-33!

Paul is back to his old self today after having an off day yesterday, disposing of myself (just - 25-21 in the 3rd!).

Paul has set up a DS. Chris lifts the ball by the peg and goes to B baulk...