ACCRINGTON ace Colin Morton has added yet another snooker title to his impressive tally.
The 42-year-old England Amateur captain swept aside John Welsh of Liverpool to take the North West Individual crown -- his fourth success in five years!
In a scrappy final at the Poplar WMC, Morton raced into a two-nil lead after pinching the first and making an impressive 58 clearance in the second, however Welsh then dug deep to hamper his opponent's flowing snooker.
While the quality of play decreased as a result, the potting postman kept up his winning ways and led 4-0 at the interval. Welsh then took a close frame after the break however it served to merely prolong the inevitable as Morton responded to seal a deserved 5-1 victory.
A delighted Morton said: "It wasn't the greatest spectacle as quite a few of the frames were very tense and edgy.
"John's a tough nut to crack but he perhaps wasn't at his best today -- and I was able to benefit from that."
The NW Individuals hold a special place in Morton's dazzling collection of titles -- not least for the silverware itself. "I'm extremely proud to be the only player to have won three in a row, and the outstanding trophy really befits the prestige of the tournament. Without doubt it's the most amazing looking cup I've ever won -- it's an original made of pure silver and I think it dates back to the 1930s, so to be in possession of it is a real honour."
Next up on the glory tail for the Sydney St and Poplar player is the All England CIU Championships in Durham on May 17, where Morton has reached the last four following his quarter-final victory over reigning champion Robert Read.
Newcastle's David Lilley stands in the way of yet another final place, and Morton's confident of rising to the challenge.
"I'm originally from Newcastle so to take on a fellow Geordie in the North East will be a special occasion for me," he adds. "It is always nice to return to that part of the country, but I hope to come back to my adopted home of East Lancashire with another victory firmly under my belt."
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