Robertson lifts English Title
Jimmy Robertson from Bexhill-on-Sea defeated David Craggs by nine frames to eight in a dramatic English Amateur final.
Robertson took command early on at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield in the ‘main event’ of the English Association of Billiards and Snooker (EASB) finals weekend sponsored by Jury’s Inns.
After taking the first two close fought frames, the Southern Area Winner made a 108 break before adding the fourth to make the perfect start.
After the interval, Craggs hit back, taking three frames in a row with a highest break of 54.
Robertson took an important last frame in the session to lead five frames to three at half time.
The evening session proved to be a scrappy affair with the pressure showing as both players squandered numerous chances.
It was always a case of catch for TowLaw Town’s Craggs as he lost the opener to fall three frames adrift.
The next two were shared as Robertson got to within two frames of a title won by the likes of Joe Johnson, Paul Hunter, Terry Griffiths and David Lilley.
The pressure told though, as Craggs fought back to just one behind at 8-7.
On a break of 48 in the sixteenth frame, Robertson musyt have seen the winning line. He broke down and after missing further chances to clinch victory, after a kick on the brown, must have thought his chance had gone.
Craggs cleared up and gave an ‘Ebdon-style’ roar as he left the arena.
The final frame was typical of decding frames in big matches. Both players had chances, both players missed them.
Eventually it was Robertson, who rejoins the professional tour next season, who left the amateur ranks on a high.
Ian Williamson from EASB’s main sponsor Northern SC presented the trophies along with Teresa Snell, Jurys Inn.
