Stevenson bids to equal five Champion's titles

SIMON Stevenson remains on course to equal the Champion of Champions record of five wins, when the tournament concludes a week today at the Hyde Park Social Club.

The record set by Flynn Jones has stood for 14 years who co-incidentally, defeated Stevenson in the 2003 final.

Stevenson (29.47), who last won the title in 2014, showed championship form in the last 16 when he defeated Kieran Burns 3-0 in 16, 16 and 19 and there was also a straight legs victory for Danny Allen over Dan Scott.

JUST CHAMPION: Simon Stevenson will be bidding to equal the record of five Champion of Champions titles when he competes in the grand final at the Hyde Park Social Club on Sunday, December 10.

In a repeat of the 2016 final, Phil Stewart once again prevailed over Glenn Halford by a 3-1 margin while Mark Shears (29.47), who is in a rich vein of form at present, defeated Lee Rodmell 3-0 in 18, 17 and 16.

Tony Teal came from 2-0 down to draw level in 21 and 18 against Billy Evans only to lose the decider in 17 while Danny Bull (28.59), will also be a grand finalist for the second year in a row, after beating Dave Pethick in 15, 18 and 17.

Lewis Dare received a walkover while making up the final octet is Steve Hiscox who went 2-1 up in 16 and 18 against his club mate Andy Bond before sealing victory with a checkout of 110.

The ladies’ competition is at the semi-final stage and will feature Mel Sharpe, Jodie Hawton, Julie Norman and Cornwall’s Tanya Edwards.

Play will commence at 7.30pm with all matches leading to the finals being the best of five legs of 501.

The two finals will be contested over the best of seven.