Causier Defends Jim Williamson Crown

David Causier began the new 2022/23 World Billiards season just how he finished the last one – with a title win – as he defended the Jim Williamson Open at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds. 

A level 3 world ranking event, the tournament drew a bumper field of 70 players from across the UK and beyond. The championship is named in honour of Jim Williamson, a billiards ambassador and enthusiast who founded the iconic host venue.

World number one Causier – who claimed a remarkable seven ranking titles last season – had little trouble topping his group, winning all four of his matches and making six centuries, as he qualified for the knockout phase.

The Teesider then eliminated Michael White 560-116 (breaks of 164, 295) in the last 32, John Mullane 752-346 (155, 178) in the last 16, Jonathan Marwood 850-154 (144, 149, 114) in the quarter-finals, and world number four Martin Goodwill 623-335 (180, 119, 118) in the semi-finals.

The final would be a repeat of last year’s title tie as Causier faced reigning world champion Peter Gilchrist, who arguably entered the match as favourite having scored much heavier throughout the weekend up until that point.

Singaporean citizen Gilchrist had complied eight breaks of over 200, including what would be the tournament’s highest – a 338 – as he defeated world number two Rob Hall 914-231 in the other last four encounter.

However, Causier continued his amazing recent record, registering efforts of 101, 157 and 279 to deny Gilchrist (176 break) 721-340 in the final.

In the Jim Williamson Open Challenge Cup, Adam Clarke defeated fellow Englishman Mark Hirst 192-112 to secure the title.