AFTER an enforced two-year absence from the pool scene due to eyesight problems, Mark Wells is Pendle Pool League Individual Champion for a record-equalling seventh time.
In a somewhat nervy affair, Wells (Colne Legion) fell one behind as his opponent Andy Cairns (Alex) took advantage of an in off to take the first frame.
Ironically frame two saw the same situation in reverse, with Wells capitalising on a mistake by Cairns.
With both players seeking to gain the upper hand in frame three, Cairns had the frame at his mercy, only to see his attempt on the black into the middle pocket miss.
Wells still couldn’t contrive a clearance with a failed double on black, which went safe, and Cairns played what most would consider a reasonable safety shot, but the resourceful Wells attempted yet another double which flew into the corner pocket to lead.
Cairns showed some frustration in frame four as he smashed the pack open from the break.
Unfortunately the balls fell unkindly, and the experienced Wells proceeded to forge a strong position, which eventually allowed him to close out the match and secure the title.
Meanwhile, Alexandra pair Keith Ormerod Junior and Dave Waite had the edge in the Pendle Pool League Doubles Knockout Final at Colne Legion against Mick Thompson and Andy Jackson of Golden Ball.
Frame one was a tactical affair with each pair vying for the advantage, and although Jackson extricated himself from a snooker to pot his last yellow, he left himself snookered on the final black, leaving Waite to step up to take his remaining two balls and black.
,After a foul break by Waite in frame two, Thompson smashed open the pack and attempted a clearance but fell short on his final red, leaving himself snookered. After failing to hit the snookered ball, Ormerod Junior moved in and took a well-worked clearance.
Frame three also turned into a tactical battle and luck certainly was not with the Golden Ball pair as Waite made a great four-ball clearance to clinch victory for the Alex pair.