Chris Small became the fourth Scottish player after Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Alan McManus to capture a world ranking tournament thanks to his victory in the LG Cup in Preston on Sunday night. It took Small six hours and 12 minutes to clinch a 9-5 win over fellow Scot McManus.
The 29-year-old from Edinburgh contemplated quitting the sport because of a degenerative spinal condition. Congratulated by his wife and father, he recalled the moment when he feared the worst.
"I remember two incidents at the start of last season in the qualifiers at Burton", said Small. "In one game against Craig Butler I was in so much pain I could hardly lift my head above the tables. I was 4-0 down and could not see the balls so I quit the game at the interval. In another match with Gary Wilkinson I was strapped up with bandages round my shoulders. I was walking round the table like a mummy, I could hardly move", added Small.
Small ended last term with only three wins to his name. This week at Preston's Guild Hall he has gained six victories, including famous wins over Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins. A semi-final victory over Jimmy Michie erased the final doubts and he admitted after pocketing a bumper £82,500 pay day: "I thought then my name was on the trophy. But I knew I still had to work hard because Alan puts you under so much pressure. However, it's a dream come true."
Filed by James Shortt
