DAVE Blackburn has won his first individual title in the Knutsford and District Amateur Snooker League.

He defeated his clubmate Pete Blain in the final of the Rotary Cup at Mobberley Victory Hall, with his name to be permanently etched on a trophy for a handicapped singles knockout competition that has a history dating back to 1950.

Knutsford Guardian: Winner Dave Blackburn with Knutsford and District Amateur Snooker League competitions secretary David TaylorWinner Dave Blackburn with Knutsford and District Amateur Snooker League competitions secretary David Taylor

All three players involved in the finals night represent The Tatton Club, with Bob Jones meeting Blain in the semi-finals.

Sadly, the second semi-final could not take place as Mobberley's Mike Roylance was unable to attend due to illness, which gave Blackburn a walkthrough to the final.

Blain and Jones' contest was a high quality affair with both players playing free-flowing, attacking snooker.

Knutsford Guardian: Bob Jones, left, and Pete Blain ahead of their semi-finalBob Jones, left, and Pete Blain ahead of their semi-final

The first two frames were shared, both decided on the black ball and both frames could easily have gone either way.

In the third frame, Blain's heavy scoring and outstanding potting helped him build up a sizeable lead.

Jones fought back to reduce the deficit but it was not quite enough to stop Blain from reaching his first individual final.

The standard of snooker continued to be high in the final.

Blain continued his aggressive shot making while Blackburn was slightly more measured but still took a positive approach.

Again, the opening two frames were shared and both were decided on the final two colours.

The deciding frame was predictably tight and tense with the lead repeatedly changing hands.

Again, it went down to the final colours and after the chance to seal victory came and went for both players, Blackburn eventually potted a tough black to take the title.

And as for the absent Roylance, he still has the TC Jay and H Astle Pairs finals to look forward to so hopefully his luck will turn for those.

Images

3986

Semi Finalists Bob Jones (left) and Pete Blain

3990 Winnder Dave Blackburn with comps secretary David Taylor

3988 Finalists Dave Blackburn (left) and Pete Blain