Birley Clinches Harry Anderson Title to Complete Triple Crown
David Birley receiving the trophy from Archie Anderson.
Birley Clinches Title in Dominant Fashion
David Birley delivered a commanding performance from start to finish in the tournament, remarkably dropping just a single frame en route to lifting the trophy. Facing him in the final was Newbold’s Gary Scott, fresh off his recent Division One Masters triumph. Riding high on confidence, Scott knew he was up against a formidable opponent.
The opening frame set the tone. Birley came out on top in a tense safety exchange, trapping Scott behind the green with a fiendish snooker. Three failed escape attempts from the Newbold man erased his handicap advantage, and with the white ball landing favourably, Birley seized his scoring opportunity. Two steady breaks were enough to secure the first frame.
With momentum on his side and the table playing beautifully, Birley quickly shifted up a gear. Clinical breaks of 31 and 51 saw him surge into a 2-0 lead in no time.
Needing to mount a comeback, Scott stuck to a tactical game plan, aiming to pin Birley to the top cushion and wait for a chance to counter. But it wasn’t to be. With few safety options left, Birley floated in a sublime long red and landed perfectly on the black. The layout looked ideal for a big break, and the Lennon’s SC player didn’t disappoint.
The crowd watched in anticipation as Birley built what looked to be a potential century. A tight red on the cushion denied him the milestone, but a magnificent 95 break sealed the frame, the match, and the title.
Ever the sportsman, Gary Scott graciously congratulated the champion, joined by sponsor Archie Anderson for the presentation.
A beaming David Birley lifted the trophy, also celebrating the remarkable achievement of completing the coveted Triple Crown series. A huge accomplishment—well done, David!
He’ll now head into Thursday’s Premier Competition Final brimming with confidence.
SCORE CARD
David Birley (3-0) Gary Scott
98-45
(51,31 breaks) 104-25
(95 break) 95-22
Referee: Ian Rose
Venue: Alfreton SC
Route to the final:
David Gary
SF: Bt Dave Pagett 3-0 Bt: Deano Hancock 3-2
QF: Bt Rob Morley 3-0 Bt: Steve Donner 3-2
L16: Bt Mark Hodgkinson 3-0 Bt: Dave Bolton 3-2
L32: Bt Duncan Waring 3-0 Bt: Shane Miles 3-0
L64: Bt Tom Haney 3-1 Bt: Jamie Luckman 3-0
Highest Break (95) Highest Break (38)
Competition Highest Break: (136) Steve Donner
David Birley, Ian Rose & Gary Scott
Previous winners:
2024: Dave Bolton
2023: Martin Finnigan
2022: James Harrison
2021: Not contested (Covid)
2020: Ben Buckley