Graham Baker re-affirmed his place as Buderim’s top snooker player after taking out the club championship on Thursday night (May 22). Baker, who leads the representative team in the Brisbane competition, made up for his slip in last year’s final to win the tournament for the fourth time in five years.
Playing David Armstrong, who has won the prestigious prize six times, Baker was largely untroubled and won the contest 3-0 on a night supported by I Spy Pies. He set up the victory in the final frame by starting with a break of 29 and managed to stay ahead despite some effective defensive play from Armstrong.
In an unfortunate lead-up to the final, Armstrong cut his index finger on a saw at work and carried a big bandage on his hand. The injury looked painful and he was unable to find a way to cover up the strong play of his partner.
Baker’s quality was shown throughout the tournament and he lost only two frames during the four rounds. “It’s great to be back on the honourboard after losing in the final last year,” Baker said. “Now I’ve got the double of the A-grade snooker and billiards trophies to aim for.”
It has been a busy month for Baker, who is also a qualified referee. He was given the honour of officiating in the final of the Oceania Billiards Championship final in northern New South Wales earlier in the month. His next playing event is the Lismore Snooker Handicap in June.