Cuesportnews.com mentioned the possibility of a Mick Hill World Double in an article on July 5th, well after winning the World Masters title last week in Blackpool Hill has gone on to complete that historic double.

Regarded as one of, if not, the best 8-ball pool player to have ever graced the game the twice former champion has now made it three World Championship titles.

Mick Hill’s decision to turn his back on American Pool to return to his English roots paid off in Blackpool tonight.

The Dudley born star ended a six year wait to double up his solitary Foster’s World 8-Ball title with an 11-8 victory over Stoke potter Gareth Potts.

Hill avenged his defeat in the 2007 showpiece and stopped Potts winning a fourth world crown.

He also becomes the first player in the history of the sport to win the Foster’s World title and World Masters in the same year.

Indeed, Hill remained unbeaten in a total of 14 matches in the two events. His back to back wins at the Imperial Hotel were worth £15,000.

“I have never been as focussed or as happy at a tournament as I have been here this week,” said the delighted 30-year-old who, until recently, spent six months on the 9-Ball circuit.

“The saying ‘you don’t know what you have got until its gone, couldn’t be more true regarding me and 8-Ball pool.

“Who knows whether I will pick up American Pool again in the future.

“But for the time being I am going to stick with 8-Ball.

“When I won my first world title I was convinced I would have this purple match and win four or five world titles.

“And because I did it once early, people expected me to win more.

“So, I’m pleased for a number of reasons.

“You start to wonder whether you can do it when I am under it.

“So, it’s a big thing to prove to yourself you have still got it.

“You always know Gareth is going to come out playing well in a world final.

“And in the last couple of finals I’ve had a stinker.

“That’s not happened so I am going to savour this victory and the World Masters.

“To do the double is great. If it ever happens again, then fantastic for that person.

“But it can never be bettered.

“Someone can win 10 world titles but I have done something that may never be done again.

“And this ranks higher than when I won the three tours again.”

There was never more than two frames between the duo in one of the highest quality finals in the history of the event.

In fact, probably only Chris Melling’s breathtaking victory over Jason Twist in 2003 topped tonight’s showpiece.
Potts led 2-1 and 5-4 but trailed 8-6. He fought back to 8-8 only for the ‘Machine’ to claim the last three frames.

It is the first time that any player has lifted the World Masters and World Championship titles in the same year and to do them in the same venue as well is an amazing feat.

This will seed Hill number one for his defence of the title next year.

Thanks to Trevor Baxter WEPF Press Officer.

Be Sociable, Share!

•