Ireland's Coalite Nations Cup dream was ended in emphatic style this afternoon, as Scotland's trio of Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Alan McManus swept aside Ireland's Ken Doherty, Fergal O'Brien and Michael Judge in a 6-2 rout.
The victory was a repeat of their 1996 triumph, and their four frame winning margin made up for last year's disappointment when they failed to emerge from the group stages. The Scots, who had been tournament favourites throughout, justified their billing with a flying finish, just when it looked like the Republic were finding their feet.
Scotland stormed into a three frame lead, but O'Brien and Doherty reduced the difference to 3-2 by beating Hendry and Higgins in the doubles. However, the Scots then won four successive frames, including a double singles win for former world champion and world number one John Higgins over Fergal O'Brien and Ken Doherty.
But the first-time Nations Cup finalists, who upset Wales 5-1 in the last four, were no match for the favourites who had crushed Northern Ireland 5-0 in Saturday's second semi-final. Hendry and McManus remained unbeaten in the singles with two victories apiece, while Higgins' only blemish in three outings was against world number 46 Judge.
The win was worth over £15,500 each for the Scottish stars while the Republic shared £19,950. The high break of £2,500 went to Thailand's Phaitoon Phonbun for his 131 against Malta's Tony Drago in a group game.
Filed by Shane Murray
