Causier Defends British Open Title

World number one David Causier defeated reigning world champion Peter Gilchrist 707-273 in the final to retain the World Billiards British Open title. 

Victory at Qzone in Carlisle represents Causier’s ninth ranking title since the start of last season, and comes off the back of winning this season’s opening event – the Jim Williamson Open – in Leeds, in August.

A total of 60 players began the level 3 world ranking event which was sponsored by the host venue, H & H Reeds, and Carlisle & District Billiards & Snooker. Causier was in irresistible heavy scoring form during the groups phase, compiling two centuries, two double-centuries and efforts of 440 and 459 as he won all four of his fixtures and topped Group A.

Causier was just as destructive in the knockout rounds, hitting five three-figure breaks – including a 346 – as he eliminated Barry Russell 849-185 in the last 16, and runs of 163 and 239 during a 907-233 success over John Hughes in the quarter-finals. He then won his semi-final meeting by a margin of over 900 points, denying Chris Taylor 1037-106 in which he added another five century breaks to his tally.

On the other side of the draw, fellow Teeside-born Gilchrist made it through to the title match without too much trouble.

Winner of last month’s Hamilton and New Zealand Opens, Gilchrist made the tournament’s highest break in the last eight with a run of 534 as he dispatched Jonathan Marwood 738-207. In the last four he saw off number two ranked Robert Hall, 676-300.

A rivalry renewed in the final, Causier came out on top in this latest chapter as breaks of 314 and 184 helped him to a 707-273 triumph.

In the British Open Challenge Cup, Chris Johnston defeated Martin Gawthrop 163-140 to claim the title.

The next stop on the World Billiards circuit is the Singapore Open, held shortly before the biggest event on the sport’s calendar – the World Billiards Championship – which both take place at the Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker Academy.

Article by Michael Day.