FIRST OVER 55'S CHAMPION CROWNED Mick Reynolds has become the first Over 55's champion as he defeated Willie Brown in a tense and close final at the Bayley. In the opening frame there was a good safety exchange before Mick got in with a lovely 25 break to seize the initiative. However Willie showed why he was in the final as he dug in to close the gap to just a couple of points including a nice 17 break of his own. Indeed it was Willie who looked to be gaining the advantage as, with the pink covering the yellow pocket, he put Mick in trouble playing the final red close to the pink, with the cue ball at the other end of the table. What happened next proved to be the turning point as Mick fluked the red into the middle pocket before clearing to the pink and this 27 break sealed the first frame 75-38. The second frame was a different story as the fluke really seemed to have affected both players mindset With the added confidence of being a frame up, Mick got in early with a 33 break and he never looked back. He didn't leave much for Willie to go at and seemed to pot everything in front of him, eventually clinching the frame and the title running out a 61-8 victor. Congratulations to both players for a great final and to Mick for becoming the first winner. Thanks to Rob Withington for stepping in to referee at short notice too and to all that came along to support the finalists.