SIMON Blackwell showed just why he is regarded as one of the hottest potting prospects around after winning the Foster's Golden Cue grand final for the first time.

The 22-year-old, a regular on the pro-am circuit, came out on top in a mighty tussle with 2010 champion Jimmy Waddington, eventually winning 4-2 at a packed Ighten Leigh Social Club.

The showdown, which brought together the small and large table champions, was fitting of the competition with both players producing top class snooker - a final full of big breaks and breath-taking potting,

Small table champion Waddington, who beat Tony Greenwood to book his place in the grand final, won the toss and opted to start on his favoured surface and was in imperious form, knocking in a break of 78 in the third frame which earned him the pound-a-point highest break prize on the night.

The opening four frames went 'with serve' as Blackwell triumphed on the large table in what some fascinating nip and tuck snooker.

The fifth frame proved to be the turning point though, both players getting the chance to take it before Blackwell showed nerves of steal to clinch the frame on the colours to lead for the first time.

Blackwell was pretty much unplayable on the big table all night and underlined that supremacy, sealing victory with an impressive 50 plus break to win the frame and the title.

"The standard of snooker was superb from both players, it was a real treat," said Neil McGovern, secretary of the Foster's Golden Cue. "Both players were in great form throughout the night and the match all hinged on that fifth frame that Simon just pinched.

"He is a real talent and I would not be surprised at all if he goes on to play at a higher level.

"He already plays in pro-am events and is hoping to get in to Cue School. He really is a special talent."

Graham Jones of Heineken UK was on hand to present all the prizes after the match.

McGovern thanked the sponsors for their on-going support Josh Stevenson and all the staff at Ighten Leigh as well as John Timperley who was ever present as referee all the final matches.

He also thanked Andy Dibb and Kev Catlow for helping the tournament run like clockwork.

"We have more and more players competing now but Andy and Kev have been great helping the competition run like clockwork.

"We have managed to make it a bit more compact, it went on too long last year.

"I think we got the quarter finals down the finals and grand final all wrapped up within a month."

He added: "The support we have received from people coming along to watch has been superb, especially in the latter stages of the competition. It shows snooker at this level is still very popular."

McGovern will now take a little break but not for too long as he will have to put Burnley Snooker League hat on and is now planning ahead for the registration night which takes place at Lowerhouse Canteen on Thursday, August 6 (7.30pm).

Any new teams wishing to join are welcome to attend and for more information contact Neil McGovern on 07920 147147.

Roll of honour

Grand final

Winner: Simon Blackwell

Runner-up: Jimmy Waddington

Highest break: Jimmy Waddington 72

Large table

Winner: Simon Blackwell £250

Runner-up: Russel Large £120

Semi finalists: Dom Emery, Dan Paton £50; Quarter finalists: K Dowbiggin, J Foster, C Ashton, Dean Emmott £20

Highest break: D Emery 70

Small table

Winner: Jimmy Waddington £250

Runner-up: Tony Greenwood £120

Semi finalists: Brad Southern, P.Doyle £50; Quarter finalists: A Harris, J Lingard, K Hodkinson, A Bates

Highest break: J Lingard 102