World 8-Ball Pool Championship Final
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Snooker player Mark Selby captured the World 8-Ball Pool title on Thursday - and hopes that next year he can do the same in snooker.
Selby defeated 8-Ball expert Darren Appleton 11-7 to pocket a £10,000 first prize in the ImproveYourPool.com event at Blackpool’s Norbreck Castle Hotel.
Yorkshireman Appleton collected £5,000 after finishing runner-up for the second time in three years.
Selby was given a sponsor’s wild card into the tournament and he fully justified the decision.
"It wouldn’t have looked good had I lost in the first round," smiled the cue all-rounder who regularly plays county pool for Leicstershire.
"But I think I’ve earned the title," he added after his ninth consecutive victory.
"It would be great to think that this time next year this is the world snooker title.
"To be honest I feel a bit flat but I’m sure that will all change when I get home and the phone calls start.
"It’s still not sunk in yet," said Selby after only his second ever world championship outing.
"I rate Darren really highly so this is a great victory for me. But I had a massive fluke to go 7-5 up and that really changed the match."
The start of the final was delayed by an hour to allow the players and the 350-strong crowd to watch the exciting conclusion to England’s World Cup win over Trinidad and Tobago.
And though Appleton took the opening frame he was soon behind as Selby made the most of his opportunities.
"I don’t think I’m going to be playing more pool tournaments because of this win. I enjoy the game and I’ll play for the county when I can."
Appleton embarks on a career in American 8-Ball shortly and announced after the final that this would be his last world championship.
"I hope it isn’t because I know Darren become world champion," said sporting Selby.
"I really felt confident before the match and fancied winning," said Pontefract potter. "But perhaps I’m not destined to win the title."
Source
- www.worldsnooker.com
Date
Sat 06/17/06, 4:52 am EST
