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Atta Boyes! Brit Wins World 8-Ball
Apr 12, 2010, 2:03 PM

Boyes took the title by clearing an open table in the case game. (Photo by Jerry Forsyth)

Just three years ago, Karl Boyes was an out-of-nowhere semifinalist at the World Pool Championships, won by countryman Daryl Peach, himself a 150-to-1 shot at the beginning of the event. Since then, Boyes and his fellow British cueists have removed all doubts about their abilities to shine on the international stage.

First, Darren Appleton won the World 10-Ball Championship in 2008. Then, earlier this year, the U.K. won the World Team Championships.

Add to that the World 8-Ball Championship. On Saturday in Fujairah, U.A.E, Boyes survived a furious comeback from Dutch star Niels Feijen to take the title in a thrilling hill-hill final, 13-12.

Jumping out to an early 9-3 advantage, Boyes appeared to be on cruise control in the single-set final. But Feijen clawed his way back into the match, breaking and running numerous racks to climb within two racks, 11-9. With Boyes on the hill, Feijen cleared two more racks to knot the match at 12 games apiece.

With the break in the final rack, Feijen could not coax a ball into a pocket. From there, Boyes kept his nerves in check as he cleared for the world title.