YORKSHIRE NEWS

Bradford Billiards Championship

Playing in his fifth final, 56-year-old Paul Devitt won the Bradford Billiards Championship for the first time when he defeated nine-times champion Richard Lodge 500-492 at the Undercliffe Cricket Club in May. Devitt, who has competed in the event for the last 18 years described it as "the most wonderful experience of my billiards life". Although leading 250-223 at the interval, Devitt had to survive a determined come-back by Lodge who went in front at 401-330 helped by a break of 64, the highest of the match. However, in a tense and exciting climax, Devitt managed to edge home by a narrow 8 point margin.

Yorkshire Billiards Handicap

The Flamborough Institute Yorkshire Billiards Handicap proved once again to be a popular and successful tournament. From thirty-seven entries 16 finalists descended on the Flamborough Institute to compete the final stages of the competition. The holder of the Leslie Driffield trophy, Geoff Horton, Scarborough, made an early departure as did another fancied entry Bob Patterson, Leeds. There were several matches with nail-biting finishes which made for an exiting atmosphere throughout the day. Tony Clegg, Huddersfield, played consistently well and clinched the trophy in a very one-sided match against Derick Townend, Harrogate. The tournament was generously sponsored by the Flamborough Institute and organised by the local man, Mr. John Bayes, Flamborough.