The opening of the May 2015 Halifax Masters was a typically dramatic evening as Halifax's finest went head-to-head.

Four groups consisting of four players each meant competition was fierce throughout. Every group proved competitive, with at least one five set match in every group. 

The top seed in the tournament, Amir Hussain, who travels from Oldham to attend, was pushed the whole way by Lewis Palmer, who eventually was knocked out of his group after also losing to Ben Fillingham.

Second seed Fraser Riley made it through his group, but only after falling to defeat to Jonny Heslop, with the up and coming star coming from behind to beat Riley in five.

Alex Shaw, who was playing in his left ever Masters, was the first seeded casualty as he succumbed to Jake Clarke in five, with Clarke progressing behind Sam Clayton.

Meanwhile, Danny Olsberg, also from Oldham, knocked Ollie Hill out of the competition with victory, before Olsberg went one better and beat fourth seed Freddie Osenton-Brown, from Rotherham, to win his group.

The quarter-finals were all intriguing affairs, with all four matches in the balance until the end.

Hussain prevailed against Osenton-Brown in a hugely entertaining affair, with the latter upping his game considerably to trouble the top seed. Hussain's victory set up a clash with Fillingham in the semi-final after he defeated Olsberg 3-1.

The other semi-final shall be contested between Clayton and Heslop, who both came through incredible matches to secure a spot in the final four. Heslop clawed his way past former Masters winner Jake Clarke 3-2 in a match full of long, powerful exchanges. However, the best match was between Clayton and Riley, with the pair taking part in a repeat of the Halifax Championships semi-final. After relinquishing a game advantage twice, Clayton was on the verge of exit as Riley got to match point. But Clayton held his nerve, eventually taking the fifth 15-13 to secure his spot in the last four.

All spectators are welcome to attend the finals night, which takes place on Friday May 15th.

Schedule  (times are approximate)
Plate Semi Finals (Table 4)
7.15pm  Sophie Yung  v  Ben Marlor
7.45pm  Rayhan Khan v Billy Wragg

Masters Semi Finals (Table 5)
7.15pm  Amir Hussain  v  Ben Fillingham
7.45pm  Sam Clayton  v  Jonny Heslop

Plate Final        8.15pm  Table 5
Masters Final  8.45pm  Table 5