A Tartan Tussle

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So after a week of frantic Six Reds, we now know who will face the final and it is of course the same faces as we saw in the World Cup at the start of the season, minus the partnership. On that occasion John Higgins and Stephen Maguire won the title for Scotland but now the slipper is on the other foot with both players opposing each other, vying to claim this Thai jewel. Both players breezed through their semi-final matches with Higgins beating Mark Williams, 7-5 and Stephen Maguire v Gary Wilson ended in the same score line.

The final itself was a in essence a scrappy affair with both players missing crucial colours when they had the advantage but in the end Stephen Maguire built on his 6-5 advantage and kicked his game into gear. Both players are great friends off the table and practice together in their local club. The usual puffed out cheeks of Higgins relaxed in this final as John realised that the match was beyond his reach and there were smiles all round as Maguire took frame and match, winning, 8-6. This is Maguire’s second Six Reds title after first claiming the silverware in 2014, after defeating Ricky Walden, 8-7.

Maguire was touted as a future world champion when he first broke out onto the tour as a professional in 1998 but has failed to make the big time so far. With two victories at the start of this season so far, this could be the boost that he needs to propel him into the major titles. The Shanghai Masters is looming next this month and being match fit will put Maguire in good stead to fend off the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan who is aiming to claim this title. Ronnie hasn’t been seen on the main tour since he crashed out of the World Championship at the end of last season and may struggle to improve. He will have to pull out his A game if he is to defeat the likes of Higgins and Maguire. Well done Stephen Maguire, you are the new Six Reds king and get ready for the next stop on the tour as players take the shorter plane ride to Shanghai.

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