The Civil Service Sports Council National Snooker Championship 2009

Now in its 48th year, this year's competition was yet again a rousing success with Simon Hickman from Midlands winning the title for his first time.

He won a very tense final 3-2 against Jamie Earl from Bristol who was competing for his first time, despite being MOD champion for the past few years.

Jamie had won the first frame but fell 1-2 behind before managing to equalize, only to lose the deciding frame.

The Final was once again refereed by international Referee from Liverpool, Colin Humphries.

With 17 competitors entered, Friday had seen 2 of each of the 4 groups qualify for the Q-Finals.

Paul Baxter NW, previous winner, was the first to be beaten by Simon, losing his Q-Final 3-0. Keith Moore from Wales lost by the same score to Terry Greenough from East. Phil Fitzgerald NW beat Peter Cantone London while Jamie Earl had won 3-0 agaist James Meikle of Scotland.

In the S-Finals, Simon beat Terry 3-1 while Jamie had to go to the deciding black against Phil.

Those that did not qualify for the Q-Finals played in the Plate competition and this was won by Jeremy Smith from Gloucester. He won the Final 3-2 after being 0-2 down to Dave Davies of Wales.

The highest break of the Finals was 60 made by Bash Maqsood Midlands.

The whole event was part of the Tri Finals held in Rileys Stoke and run by National Snooker organizer, Malcolm Gray with the aid of 2 EASB Snooker Referees.

Those interested in qualifying for next year's tournament should contact their local organizers asap to get their names down for the Regional Qualifiers where two players from each of our Regions will come to the Finals.