Gollan Scratches 30-Year Canadian Itch

Former professional player Brady Gollan defeated Alan Whitfield in the final to win the 2018 Canadian National Snooker Championship. It is the second time that Gollan has lifted the trophy, but 30 years on from when he initially did so in 1988.

A long-standing and prestigious national title that has been claimed by several of Canada’s greats, this year’s championship was held at the Corner Bank in Toronto, owned by familiar cuesports figure and two-time former winner, Jim Wych. A total of 49 players took part in a straight knockout format.

A Crucible Theatre qualifier in 1990, Gollan eliminated Chase Cyr, Amar Sadig, Alex Pagulayan and Derrick Claus to reach the final. Former world 9-ball pool champion and two-time winner of this event Pagulayan had earlier dethroned defending champion John White.

In the title match Gollan faced 2014 winner Whitfield, whom he got the better of 6-4 to reclaim the championship three decades on. The final was livestreamed and commentated on by Wych and 1980 World Champion Cliff Thorburn, who has recently joined the Canadian Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA) board – the organisers of this tournament.

The Canadian Seniors Snooker Championship – which is in memory of ambassador William “Dutch” DeBoer – was played at the same venue in April. Floyd Ziegler defeated Fern Loyer in the final to claim the title.

Article written and published by Michael Day on the 9th May 2018.