Darryl Hill clinched his sixth Fowler and Co Champion of Champions snooker title last weekend.
Recently back from the World Amateur Championships in Qatar where he reached the last 16, there was no let up in his form where he romped to an 8-1 win in the final as Peter Kirkham was swept aside.
Hill booked his place in the final of the 12-player event with an emphatic 5-0 semi-final victory over Chris Dagnall, helped by four half-century breaks with 65 in frame five being the best.
Kirkham was very relieved to get through his semi as he scratched around for some form.
If it had been a league match, his opponent Conor Mahon would have received a 42 advantage.
But, with a level start, Mahon actually led 2-1 and 3-2 and was much the stronger player for a good while. Eventually though, Kirkham stamped his authority on the match to win 5-3 as his opponent's form dipped.
Relentless break building from Hill saw the first session of the best-of-15 frame final end 6-1. A century in frame three was the highlight which put him 2-1 up.
Kirkham had good chances to level but missed a couple of opportunities on the brown and from then on Hill eased away with other contributions of 67, 66 and 73.
Hill soon rattled off the two frames he required in the second session for yet another title, helped by a couple of modest breaks (for him) of 41 and 38.
Kirkham’s day was summed up when in frame nine, with just enough points on the table for a steal, he planted one red onto another and both dropped in, leaving snookers required.
Congratulations go to Hill who dropped only one frame in the tournament and had 22 x 30+ breaks including 11 half-centuries and a best of 104 in the final.
Thanks go to referee Dave Kelly and to host venue, the Cue Zone IoM.
MIKE CROOK