Blackpool bulls-eye for Bond

Veteran Nigel Bond proved himself a champion sprinter as he triumphed at the Snooker Shoot-Out in Blackpool.

The 45-year-old from Derbyshire, who lost to Stephen Hendry in the 1995 World Championship final, pocketed the 32,000 top prize at the Circus Arena as reward for winning six consecutive single-frame, ten-minute matches.

In an all-English final Bond proved too strong for 34-year-old Robert Milkins, the Gloucester potter who stunned favourite Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals.

O'Sullivan had made two centuries and a 90 break in his previous four matches and looked to be cantering towards the title until Milkins halted his run.

World No.?37 Bond knocked out Joe Jogia on Friday, Stephen Lee on Saturdaay, and yesterday reeled off victories over Rory McLeod, Mark King, Marcus Campbell and Milkins.