MARK Hirst has retained his title as Bradford billiards champion in some style, recording breaks of 104 and 90 in an impressive 706-187 victory over tournament organiser Stephen Kershaw at Great Horton Conservative Club.

Kershaw got in first with a break of 37 and several other smaller contributions, but the champion had already recorded a 38 and added breaks of 61, 54, 66 and 47 to lead 287-126 at the interval.

The second hour was one-way traffic and something of a billiards masterclass from Hirst, who recorded further breaks of 45, 104, 90 and 52, keeping his opponent away from the table for long periods to become champion for the 9th time