However, despite the three-game margin, Canavan said that the difference between the two players came down to one missed shot, by Cook, in the fifth game.
‘We were drawing 2-2 at the time, and I thought he was going to clear the table and go into a 3-2 lead,’ explained Canavan.
‘He almost cleared the balls but left himself snookered on the last yellow, which meant I was able to get back to the table and clear up.
‘I tend to do well on these tables, partly because of the nap of the cloth.
I haven’t played pool since this time last year, but I do play a great deal of snooker, when I have the time to practise.
‘The games were always close, and some of the UK pros said that they don’t usually see such a close final as the one we played.
That one missed shot by Gary probably cost him the tournament.
And yes, I’d like to think I’ll be back next year, to defend my title for a third year in a row.’ On his way to the final Canavan beat two Channel Islands juniors 5-1 and 5-2 before he was exposed to more seasoned players, as he beat Chris Alexander 5-0 and Alan Humphries 5-2.
‘In fact, I only dropped four frames in winning the title,’ he said, ‘which was quite pleasing, although I think pool is a much easier game if you play a lot of snooker.
If I had more time, I’d practise more, but it’s not easy when you’ve got a young family to look after.
And full marks to Gary.
Just that one missed pot made all the difference.
The final turned out to be a very close contest, despite the 5-2 scoreline.’
