Sharp shooting Hunter lands British title
Sunday, 17 November 2002 20:59Paul Hunter beat Ian McCulloch 9-4 to win the British Open title at Telford this evening. Victory for the reigning Regal Welsh Open and Benson and Hedges Masters champion was never in doubt after he raced into a 3-0 lead. McCulloch, appearing in his first major final, failed to show the form which saw him dispatch John Higgins and Mark Williams earlier in the tournament.
"I was happy with the way I played all week," said a delighted Hunter. "I felt I was the best player all through the tournament and came out on top in the final."
McCulloch, who collected £26,000, now rises from 43rd to a provisional 26th in the rankings, was happy with his overall performance in the tournament. "I've had the week of my life but Paul thoroughly deserves to win. I expected to win the final after how I'd played this week but he played the better snooker. I've still got to be pleased with how I played here, though," he said.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
