Russell, attempting to win his 8th World Title soon established a healthy lead, and following his 265 break half way through the match, he was some 600 in front. Gilchrist, couldn't find any form at all, his only large contribution to his total was a 100 break.

Chris Shutts second visit produced a 148 break, and it was not until David Causier,, last seasons beaten finalist, produced his 150, that he looked like making a match of it. Immediately after that, Shutt made his 281, quickly followed by a 117, 165, and 103 all within 10 visits. Causier was into an unfinished 258 when the buzzer went, having found some form, but it was to late.

In probably the highest standard of Billiards in recent years, Chris Shutt from Middlesbrough finally achieved his ultimate ambition of becoming the World Champion.

At the halfway stage of the final he led Mike Russell by some 300 points, although Russell was at the table in an unfinished break of 133. After the resumption he could only add a further 8 points to his total before a series of double centuries came. The first two from Russell, to draw level, then a 122 to see Shutt ahead again. Russell's 99 put him 18 points ahead, but with approximately 15 minutes left, Shutt produced an unfinished best of 273.

• Winner: £5,000
• Runner-up: £2,500
• Semi-final Losers: £1,250
• Quarter-final Losers: £650
• Losers in the Round Robin Stage: £300
• High break prize: £250 (to Mike Russell for a 467unf in the round robin stages)