It proved to be more than Hancox's half-hour at Southend's Victoria Snooker Centre when the 21st staging of the Whitsun Cup took place.

For Craig Hancox triumphed throughout the day to win the prestigious trophy, and £50 cash prize, with a 3-1 final success over Dave Pelman.

Top of the pots - snooker star Craig Hancox won the Whitsun Cup at Victoria Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

It was a great performance by Hancox, who had a nailbiting 3-2 victory over 2001 winner Jason Dowsett in the semi-finals after needing a snooker on the pink in the deciding frame.

Pelman beat Sharif Alani 3-0 in the other semi-final. Richard Whiteman won £10 for the brightest break of 39.

Sam Hon, last year's winner, was unexpectedly beaten in the first round by Dowsett.

A pool competition next Tuesday and a snooker event on Wednesday, June 18, are the next major dates at Victoria, based in Southchurch Road.

Published Friday, June 6, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo