Stephen Maguire won the inaugural event of the Pro Challenge Series with a 5-2 victory over compatriot Alan McManus in Leeds.
Scottish world number two wins first Pro Challenge event
Stephen Maguire won the inaugural event of the Pro Challenge Series with a 5-2 victory over compatriot Alan McManus in Leeds.
Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds staged the first event in the new series, which is aimed at giving players on the tour more competitive action in between ranking events.
World number two Maguire was the highest-ranked player involved in Leeds, and he duly walked away with the first prize after seeing off fellow Scot McManus in the final.
28-year-old Maguire, a former UK Championship winner, beat Mark Davis, Rod Lawler, Craig Steadman, Dave Harold and Ben Woollaston en route to the final.
Former Masters champion McManus showed some of his old form to reach the final, but found Maguire too good despite going 2-1 ahead early on after breaks of 84 and 73.
Breaks of 59, 68 and 68 ensured Maguire stayed on top for the rest of the match as he swept the next four frames to take the opening Pro Challenge title.
"I came here to get some good match practice, so it's great to leave with a win under my belt before the season starts," said Maguire. "It gives me a boost of confidence going into the first tournament."
Maguire also heaped praise on the introduction of the Pro Challenge Series for helping players to get in some much-needed competitive action.
"It's great for the players to be able to play competitive matches," he added. "The club is one of the nicest I've ever been to, with really friendly people, and the playing conditions were good."
