Golden Cue final is worth the wait

The finale was held a little later than planned after the heroic exploits of finalist David Howe who admirably donated a kidney to his wife in an effort to give her a better standard of life after serious illness.

But the clash was well worth the wait as Howe and fellow finalist Farak Adjaib treat the enthusiastic crowd to an enthralling showpiece which had everything.

It was never going to be a long afternoon with both players known for not hanging about at the table and the first frame was over in 15 minutes with a fluked pink resulting in Howe taking the lead.

Farak hit back quickly in frame two with a 32 break and although his opponent came back at him he secured the frame on the black. The next two frames were almost identical with Howe pouncing on mistakes from Farak to clear the table from the last red to pink to take a 3-1. He was now looking very much in command.

But the Padiham SC representative returned to the table with an unwavering focus. Howe had the chance to finish the match when on 26 but he missed a simple pink before Farak jumped in with 41 to reduce the deficit.

In a scrappy sixth frame Farak had the edge and cleared to make it 3-3 and a decider was needed.

Farak was looking better now and soon had the high break of the final with a solid 46 and although his competitor stuck at it he could not get back in the frame and Farak was eventually crowned this year’s champion and claim the trophy and £600 in prize money.

The presentation took place straight after the final with Moorhouse’s MD David Grant on hand to present the prizes and confirm the continuation of Moorhouse’s sponsorship of the popular event for next year.

Andy Dibb won the high break of the tournament with a record equalling 131, quarter finalists were Charlie Docherty, Harry Ingham, Sean Greenall and Paul Rinaldi, while the other semi-finalists were Simon Lawless and Jamie Southern.