Higgins storms to Australian Title plus Jason Ferguson elected new WCBS President

It was John Higgins's 27th Ranking Title in a defeat of Martin Gould who played only his 2nd Ranking Final

Last week was a great one for Snooker and Billiards fans. Jason Ferguson was announced as the new Chairman of the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), what has obvious reason: Getting inside the Olympics! As you all know, Snooker failed on it's bid to become a Olympic Sport, and most of that was because Snooker isn't competing alone, it's all Cue Sports together, so looking to the job Jason Ferguson is perfectly doing at WPBSA (where he keeps as president also) spreading Snooker to many new zones and turning it a real global sport, he now has the goal to make the same job with Billiards, it was a fantastic decision for me and I wish him best of luck, what he probably won't need as he's such a competent worker.

By the way, I had an exclusive chat with Jason Ferguson for the Blog in April, you can see it here.

Meanwhile, the Australian Open was being played in Bendigo, and it's another result of Ferguson's job as the tournament ran so well. 

Since it was staged for the first time in 2011, it's been quite good, but it was special this time, the crowd was very good during the whole week, packing the arena in the last three days despite not having a national player through the 2nd Round. Although Neil Robertson is well responsible for the success of this event reaching the final in the previous two years.

At the table, Martin Gould had the week of his life, hitting the best form of his career, unfortunately couldn't take this to the Final, where he lost in the decider versus 4-time World Champion. From 4-2 in front to 5(17)7 down Gould played real badly in my opinion despite having a Total Clearance. He played a couple of ultra-aggressive shots and his form wasn't good as it was earlier in the tournament and that was the key, even though he did 2 Centuries and played really well to win his eight frames, John Higgins' experience was too much for him, who was playing only his second Ranking Event Final. John Higgins MBE now ties with Ronnie O`Sullivan in numbers of Ranking Event wins, only one behind Steve Davis, but still 9 behind the record holder Stephen Hendry who has 36.

See Final Reports

I just want to congratulate John Higgins, Martin Gould, Jason Ferguson and all the other people involved including players, referees and organizers who helped to make this event so special, as well as Fox Sports for the great broadcast, segments and space they dedicated to Snooker.

See Tournament Results

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