Alfie Burden claims first World Seniors snooker title with final victory over Aaron Canavan - 'I'm absolutely delighted'

Alfie Burden completed a rare snooker double when he added the World Seniors Championship to his World Amateur title triumph in 2009. Following his 10-8 win over Igor Figueiredo in the Indian city of Hyderabad 16 years ago, Burden was victorious at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield courtesy of an 8-4 win over Aaron Canavan on Sunday afternoon. "It was a strong field," said Burden.

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Alfie Burden produced a break of 107 as he completed an impressive 8-4 win over Aaron Canavan of Jersey to claim the World Seniors title for the first time at the Crucible.

Two years after he lost 5-3 to close friend and fellow Londoner Jimmy 'Whirlwind' White in the showpiece match in Sheffield, 48-year-old Burden finished off a memorable week by lifting the trophy.

After qualifying for the event, Burden gained a measure of revenge in the first round with a 4-1 victory over White before defeating Tony Drago from 3-0 behind in the last eight and Hassan Kerde 6-2 in the semi-finals.

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It means Burden has completed a rare snooker double after adding the World Seniors Championship to his World Amateur title triumph in 2009 when he defeated Igor Figueiredo, the 2024 seniors champion, 10-8 in India.

"I'm absolutely delighted," said Burden, speaking to World Seniors Snooker Tour.

"I thought I played well in the final.

"So many ups and downs being a snooker player. It has been well documented how I feel I've underachieved in my career.

"But you've got to enjoy this moment. We all know I'm not the best over-45 player in the world.

"There are players ineligible to play in this event, but you can only beat what is in front of you.

"I've beat the best on offer, it was a strong field this week and I felt I played the best snooker and deserved to win it.

"The crowd has been phenomenal. I got great support here."

The winner of the World Seniors title is set to earn qualification for the Champion of Champions event later this year.

But Burden will first attempt to reclaim his spot on the main tour when he heads to Q School in Leicester later this month and an opening match with fellow Englishman Robert Read on Friday, May 23.