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World Seniors Snooker Championship 2021 – David Lilley denies Jimmy White hat-trick of titles
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Published 10/05/2021 at 00:42 GMT+1
Jimmy White's quest for a third successive World Seniors title came up short as he lost 5-3 to David Lilley in the final at the Crucible. White levelled the match at 3-3 from 3-0 behind, but the former English amateur champion Lilley finalised his victory with a 69 break in the eighth frame.
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Jimmy White's bid for a third straight World Seniors snooker title was denied by former English amateur champion David Lilley, who completed a 5-3 win in the final at the Crucible on Sunday.
World number 95 Lilley added to earlier wins over Philip Williams, Ken Doherty and Patrick Wallace by unseating the defending champion White, who will have to wait another year to chase a fourth victory at the Sheffield event.
White had completed final victories over Darren Morgan (5-3) and Doherty (5-4) over the past two years.
Lilley opened with a 74 before pinching the second frame with a closing 35. After losing the third frame, White responded with an 85 break to close to 3-1 behind.
The six-times world finalist produced rapid knocks of 42, 63 and 56 to level at 3-3, but an error on the colours in the seventh frame was fatal as Lilley moved 4-3 clear before a closing 69 saw him claim the trophy, a £15,000 winner's cheque and a place at the prestigious Champion of Champions event in November.
“I’m a bit speechless, I didn’t think I’d get this emotional," said Lilley, who was making his debut at the event.
The seniors final was first held 30 years ago when Cliff Wilson edged Eddie Charlton 5-4, but the evergreen White was chasing the crown for a record fourth time having defeated Steve Davis 4-1 when it returned to the World Snooker Tour circuit in 2010.
Last 16 results
Quarter-final results
Semi-final results
Final
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