Steve Davis finally got his hands on the World Senior Championship trophy after coming from behind to beat defending champion Nigel Bond in Portsmouth.
The ‘Nugget’ had finished runner-up to Jimmy White and Darren Morgan respectively in 2010 and 2011 but managed to make it third time lucky in his latest final appearance.
The 56 year-old grew stronger as the event wore on and, despite losing the opening frame to Bond, replied with breaks of 66 and 68 to take the title.
The weekend, which saw 16 familiar faces from the past come together to treat the audience to a bit of nostalgia, was played in good humour but was undoubtedly competitive – with Davis collecting 18,000 pounds as champion.
After ousting old rival Dennis Taylor comfortably on Saturday, Davis needed all three frames in each of his three encounters on Sunday.
The six-time regular world champion edged Welshman Tony Chappel 2-1 in the quarter-finals before edging Dave Harold by a similar margin in the last four.
Bond, putting up a sterling defence of the crown he claimed 12 months ago, came from behind to beat Canada’s Cliff Thorburn before ending the hopes of Stephen Hendry, returning to competitive snooker for the first time since he retired in May, 2012.
Davis played down the importance of winning the event prior to his victory on Sunday but I’m sure he’ll be quietly pleased to have joined the winners enclosure once again.
Just because of the age of the competitors, the field was by no means an easy one with five Main Tour pros competing as well as Scot Hendry and former champion Darren Morgan.
Either way, it was good for the fans to get an opportunity to see the stars of yesteryear in action on the baize once more.
was there a century break made by anyone?
No, not this year. The highest break was a 94 by Davis.
Davis looks much better in the main tour events than any of the other seniors.
Yeah I’d probably go along with that as well.