Dan Thompson wins 2026 Ben Fund Bonanza

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Dan Thompson made a profitable return to Ashfield as he took victory in Saturday’s Ben Fund Bonanza, laying down an early marker forward of the 2026 Cab Direct Championship season.

Photographs courtesy of Brett Thurlow Images

The previous Glasgow man, now lining up at No.1 for Edinburgh, scored 11 factors within the qualifiers earlier than producing an excellent semi-final trip, sweeping from third to first forward of Kevin Juhl Pedersen and Danny King. He carried that momentum into the Remaining, hitting the entrance across the outdoors on flip 4 and controlling the race to take the win, with Juhl Pedersen second and Peter Kildemand finishing the rostrum.

Behind the headline consequence, there was lots to take from the remainder of the sphere. Justin Sedgmen, Kildemand and Leon Flint all topped the scoring charts with 12 factors within the qualifiers, underlining their consistency, whereas Juhl Pedersen and King each confirmed sturdy early-season kind in reaching the Remaining phases. Kyle Howarth and Ben Barker had been stable all through on eight factors apiece, whereas Chris Harris, Kye Thomson and Tom Brennan all confirmed glimpses regardless of lacking out on the latter phases.

Additional down the order, Jason Edwards and Victor Palovaara had regular nights, whereas children Sam Hagon and Tate Zischke gained beneficial observe time in opposition to skilled opposition. Reid Battye and Ace Pijper had been unable to bother the scorers, however the assembly provided a helpful early benchmark throughout the Championship subject.

Thompson stated: “It’s the right begin for me. I’m now at No.1 at Edinburgh so it was necessary to indicate I can beat different No.1s. It’s good to start the season with a robust efficiency and win.”

Outcomes

SCORES: Justin Sedgmen 12, Peter Kildemand 12, Leon Flint 12, Dan Thompson 11, Kevin Juhl Pedersen 10, Danny King 9, Kyle Howarth 8, Ben Barker 8, Chris Harris 7, Kye Thomson 7, Tom Brennan 6, Jason Edwards 6, Victor Palovaara 5, Sam Hagon 4, Tate Zischke 2, Reid Battye 0, Ace Pijper (res) 0.

SEMI-FINAL: Thompson, Juhl Pedersen, King, Flint.

FINAL: Thompson, Juhl Pedersen, Kildemand, Sedgmen.