Causier Successfully Defends Welsh Open

David Causier defeated Peter Sheehan 863-319 in the 2023 final to retain the World Billiards Welsh Open title at the Terry Griffiths Matchroom in Llanelli this past weekend. 

Nearly 60 players made the trip for this level three world ranking event, but it was reigning world champion Causier who once again came out on top. 

The Teessider comfortably won his round robin group as he qualified for the knockout rounds with four wins from four, compiling nine three-figure breaks, including a 357 in the process. 

Causier continued to stamp his authority in the knockouts as he dispatched Nathan Mann 841-134 (top breaks of 222, 172 and 129) and Michael White 1033-138 (top breaks of 196, 191, 125 and 106) in the last 16 and eight, respectively. 

In the semi-finals he upped his scoring again, constructing an incredible run of 588 – accompanied by efforts of 258 and 175 – whilst defeating John Mullane 1167-109. 

Emerging from the other side of the draw was fellow Englishman Sheehan, who qualified second from his group after three wins and a loss (to table topper Barry Russell). 

In the single elimination portion, Sheehan struck two centuries and a double century as he denied world number one Peter Gilchrist in the last 16, and then two singles and two doubles during a semi-final victory against reigning Irish Open champion, Robert Hall. 

However, Causier couldn’t be stopped in the 90-minute title match as he manufactured breaks of 287 and 285 on his way to lifting the trophy. 

The tournament featured the appearance of current snooker professional, Ryan Thomerson. The Australian made it through to the knockout rounds where he narrowly lost to Mann by just three points in the last 32. 

In the Welsh Open Challenge Cup, Steve Brookshaw ousted Chris Achilles 152-148 in the final to win the title. 

The next stop on the World Billiards Tour is Bruges next month for the Belgian and European Opens.