Carl Morris put in an almost flawless performance to lift the first event in this years £48,000 8-Ball Super Tour.

The former WEPF World 8-Ball Champion came up against Irishman Ronan McCarthy in the final and led the match throughout, he eventually lifted the title with an 8-6 win.

The match was marred slightly by an altercation between Carl Morris and referee Melvyn Harley, this heated debate came about through the way Mel was signalling the 30 second time call. Normally this is signalled verbally, but as Carl is deaf a hand gesture is made to warn the player of an impending time foul.

The discussion was over whether Mel should signal in front of Carl or tap the table. Speaking to Mel after the match he said, “I have known Carl for years and ever since he came onto the scene we made an agreement as to how I should signal 30 seconds, on this occasion he wanted it differently as it was signalled differently in this years World Championships, in the end I just asked him what he wanted me to do.”

Both players would agree that the match was not of the highest quality with very little happening on the break for either player. This led to a very long drawn out match that lasted 2 and a half hours.

Another story that must be mentioned is that of Emma Cunningham, the twice ladies World Champion reached the semi-finals of this event before being halted by Ronan McCarthy. Due to the handicapping system in use Emma got a 4-0 start in the match and really should have progressed to the final, the last frame was a very tense affair with both players having chances to capitalise, Ronan managed to show his experience to hold out for an 8-7 victory.

After the performance of Emma Cunningham the handicapping system has come into question again, a player like Cunningham can hold her own in any competition so some players are questioning the need to give her a start at all.

I am sure this debate will continue throughout the year.

Payouts:

Winner – Carl Morris – £2200

Runner-up – Ronan McCarthy – £1800

Semi Finalists – Steve Petty, Emma Cunningham – £700

Quarter Finalists – Neil Raybone, Phil Naylor, Adam Davis, Chris Melling – £400

Last 16 – Rob Chilton, Josh Corkett, Chris McGee, Keith Brewer, Carl Fitzsimon, Ben Flack, John Sullivan, Ben Davies – £200