Morgan still in shock over world title glory (From South Wales Argus)

Morgan still in shock over world title glory

6:20am Saturday 12th November 2011 in Sport round-up By Chris Kirwan

HE SET out just aiming to avoid embarrassment yet Darren Morgan ended up beating some of snooker’s greatest icons.

The 45-year-old from Fleur-de-Lys lifted the World Seniors Snooker Championships in Peterborough last weekend.

Morgan, who won six professional tournaments before retiring in 2007, beat Jimmy White in the semi-finals of the competition in Peterborough before edging out Steve Davis in the final, all of it televised on Sky television.

Quite a story considering that the unfancied Morgan had to qualify for the event in Gloucester.

Morgan said: "I saw it as a chance to meet up with some old friends and sign some autographs – I just went out to enjoy it and try and not make a fool of myself!

"It was a very, very strong field and if someone had said to me at the start of the day that I would be up against Jimmy White in the semi and then beat Steve Davis in the final I would have said they were crazy.

"When the draw was made I was hoping to get one of the bigger names early on so that at least I could leave with some fond memories. But I could see it opening up for me as the rounds went on and I suppose it was my destiny."

Morgan, who runs the Red Triangle snooker club and sporting goods shop in Cross Keys, left with a winner’s cheque for £18,000 but he remains realistic.

He has shone on the amateur stage since retiring – winning three Euro and two World Masters titles – and that is where he will remain.

"I didn’t realise that this tournament was as big as it is and it is a great achievement," he said.

"It does make you think about things but I am still in the real world – the reasons for retiring are still valid."

Morgan does, however, hope that his stunning win earns his some wildcards in pro events.