PAUL Ciccelli produced a superb performance to win the level singles final at his first attempt in the highlight of the Bolton Closed Championships.

Last year's winner, Darren Howarth, was the unlucky loser in a gripping final which produced many magnificent rallies to thrill spectators.

Ciccelli, of Mosses A, produced a wonderful defensive display in contrast to the Darren's strong attacking game.

The contrasting styles combined to produce much spectacular action, ensuring the spectators enjoyed plenty of superb, and, at times, long rallies, the like of which have not been seen for a number of years.

Paul comfortably won the first game but Darren came back strongly winning the next two.

Paul levelled at 4-4, and, with the spectators on the edge of their seats, went on to win the final game 11-8 to win the title.

The finals night, staged at the Hilton Centre, kicked off with the junior singles and the handicapped over-60 veterans.

The junior final was contested by two Tonge players, with Reena Ardeshana winning the title against team-mate Sparkle Munroe.

The over-60 event was played on a round robin basis in two groups of four players, from which Barry Walsh of Hilton G and Brian Hall of Hilton E reached the final.

This proved to be very competitive and entertaining, with Brian's more patient approach paying dividends.

Despite giving Barry two points Brian ran out the winner over four games.

The final of the mixed doubles brought together Dave Smith and Jean Smart against Any Kaye and Reena Ardeshana.

This match went the full distance and was decided in the fifth game.

Dave and Jean moved ahead on two occasions, and held a four-point lead in the fifth, only to be overtaken by Andy and Reena who came back to win the final game 12-10

The final of the handicap singles, which had recorded some interesting matches with some surprising results in the earlier rounds, brought together junior Siful Khan of Third Division Hilton E, who received five points start, and the experienced Dave Hamilton from Premier team Ramsbottom B.

This final also went the full distance with some excellent play by both players.

Again Siful established an early lead only to be caught by Dave on both occasions, but in the final game Siful won with a convincing 11-6 scoreline.

Next was the handicap doubles with the scratch partnership of Darren Howarth of Hilton A and Brian Hall on four start, against Mike Moir and Mark Ramsbottom from Ramsbottom A.

Brian and Darren made good use of their start winning over four games.

Mark Ramsbottom retained his veteran singles title against Steve McNicholas of Little Lever A.

Mark won the first game easily but Steve came back strongly by taking the next two.

Mark won the fourth to level and won the last 11-8 to clinch the title for the third year.

The level doubles was a repeat of the handicap doubles between Mike Moir and Mark Ramsbottom and Brian Hall and Darren Howarth, but, without a start, Brian and Darren could not match Mike and Mark, who won in straight games.

At the end was the presentation of trophies to all the winners, plus the league and cup winners which included three special awards.

Siful Khan won the Albert Howcroft Trophy for the most improved player.

Brian Goody received the Rupert De Rigg award for outstanding help given to juniors, and Reena Ardeshana took the Ralph Palmer Trophy for the most promising junior over the season.