Martin Gould clinched the Betfair World Snooker Shoot Out with a crushing 104-0 final success over Mark Allen in Blackpool on Sunday.
The Londoner opened up a 46-point lead with Allen only able to watch from the sidelines.
When Gould did miss a shot the Antrim man was unable to capitalise, allowing the 31-year-old the chance to slot home a break of 57 and secure the trophy.
“It’s very difficult. In 10 minutes anything can happen. It means a lot to win this tournament,” said Gould.
Gould also thrived under the scrutiny of an often raucous crowd. The sound of Spandau’s Ballet’s ‘Gold’ - which will surely become his theme tune - rang out around the packed arena as he lifted the trophy.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better crown, they were on my side and I kept on winning.”
Earlier, Allen booked his place in the final with a remarkable final-ball finish against Stephen Maguire.
Allen raced ahead in the match with a 51 break only for Maguire to level things at 53-53, but he was unable to convert a tough black in the final minute. His miss proved costly as Allen sank the pot from distance.
Gould, who had ousted former champion Nigel Bond in the last 16, followed Allen into the final with a comprehensive 77-6 triumph over Michael Holt.
Holt thought he had played a safety shot to perfection, but much to his astonishment Gould slotted a red which allowed him to pot the pink.
He could only watch on as Gould managed a 71 break which left Holt requiring four snookers in the last two minutes of the match, a feat that proved impossible.
Defending champion Barry Hawkins had earlier bowed out in the quarter-finals to Maguire.





Comments