Hill Wins Sixth Isle of Man Championship

Darryl Hill claimed his sixth Isle of Man Amateur Snooker Championship last month after defeating Tom Miller 6-4 in an engrossing final at The Cue Zone in Ballasalla. 

Former European Under-21 Champion Hill progressed through the opening rounds which took place over recent months, ousting the prolific reigning champion John Kennish – who had whitewashed him 6-0 in the 2022 final – 5-4 in the quarter-finals. He then defeated Calum Gardner 5-2 in the last four. 

Former two-time champion Miller worked his way through the opposite side of the draw, eliminating Jamie Wilson 5-0 in the other semi-final to book a spot in the title match. 

A thrilling, see-saw final ensued, where there was never more than a frame between the players until the end.

There was a scrappy start to the encounter; Hill won the opening frame after Miller fouled on the final black by missing it when attempting a thin safety shot. They then traded the next two frames. 

Miller made breaks of 31 and 48 in making it 2-2, but Hill hit a 50 and a 46 as he went back in front at 3-2.  

A 50 clearance from Miller put him on level terms again, although an effort of 58 helped Hill go 4-3 up, only for his opponent to draw level for the fourth time with frame eight – aided by a 37 break. 

The pattern of the contest continued as 27-year-old birthday boy Hill chalked up frame nine to move one away, and it looked like Miller was on course to force a deciding frame as he got in first with a run of 33 in frame ten. However, former professional Rookie of the Year Hill secured the frame on the colours for further island glory.  

Hill won his first Isle of Man Championship in 2010 when he also faced Miller in the final. With title number six, he draws level with Kennish on the all-time list, although the pair are behind Damian Evans who has the most wins.