Success for Carroll at attempt No. 163

NEIL Carroll reckons “perseverance” helped him secure his first Cuestars tournament win – at the 163rd attempt.

The 61-year-old ended his 15-year wait on the Masters Tour on Wednesday

He pocketed £65 in prize money after beating David Moritz 2-1 in the final of the seventh leg on home tables at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club.

“I always believed I was able to win one of these over-55 events,” said Carroll.

“It was nice to put a small dent in Hunter’s dominance.”

Rankings champion John Hunter, who lost 2-0 in the last-four to Moritz, had won five of the previous six tournaments.

He said: “I’m really pleased for Neil. I think you would agree, it’s a long overdue win.”

Staines-based Ray Grall made his first appearance in a semi-final on the midweek circuit for players aged 55 and over which is sponsored by Dennis Tristram.

Prize money: Winner Neil Carroll £65, runner-up David Moritz £35, semi-finalists Ray Grall & John Hunter £20 each.

Salisbury Snooker Club hosts the eighth and final leg on Wednesday, April March 8.

Results are on snookerscores.net.