Michael Rhodes took the top spot in the rankings after he won the final qualifying event at Durham Snooker Club by beating Chris Bowran 5-1 and put himself in pole position for the final 'big money' event to be held on Sunday, 24 November, again in Durham Snooker Club.

Bowran, the beaten finalist, managed to lift his ranking up to third, edging ahead of Gary Carr, but failing to overhaul Colin Hutchinson. As the Final draw is decided by positions in the ranking list, then this move for Bowran should ease his early matches.

Last 16 results in the final qualifier: Shahin Hussain 3 Nick Veuger 2; David Lowery 0 Michael Rhodes 3; Colin Hutchinson 3 Lee Holdsworth 2; Leigh Mavin 3 Darren Grainger 1; Ankur Nangpal 3 Andrew Morley 2; Ian Laycock 1 Chris Bowran 3; Graham Comerford 3 John Mavin 2; Ian Bertaram 3 Kevin Allison 1.

Last eight results: Shahin Hussain 0 Michael Rhodes 3; Colin Hutchinson 3 Leigh Mavin 2; Ankur Nangpal 1 Chris Bowran 3; Graham Comerford 0 Ian Bertram 3.

Semi-finals: Michael Rhodes beat Colin Hutchinson 4-2; Chris Bowran beat Ian Bertram by the same score.

Draw for the Final on Sunday, November 24: Lee Holdsworth (seeded 9) v Mark Szcykpa (17) - winner to play Michael Rhodes (1); Darren Grainger (15) v Helen Littlewood (23) - winner to play Dave Lowery (7); Tim Abderdeen (13) v Ian Laycock (21) - winner to play Andy Seal (5); Leigh Mavin (11) v Shahid Hussain (19) - winner to play Chris Bowran (3); John Mavin (12) v Trevor Walton (20) - winner to play Gary Carr (4); Ian Bertram (14) v Helen Sharpe (22) - winner to play Nick Veuger (6); Kevin Allison (16) v Dave Jones (24) - winner to play Graham Comerford (8); Dave Hodgson (10) v Andrew Morley (18) - winner to play Colin Hutchinson (2).

The matches begin at 1pm prompt and any player unable to take part should telephone Durham Snooker Club so that one of the reserves, Ian Dinsdale, Paul Archer or Ankur Nangpal, can be informed.

Durham and

District League

Esh Winning Mckenna's had a good result against Coxhoe WMC winning 7-6. With two wins from A Metcalf and A Hennigan, A Dinsdale, J Starr and G Bainbridge all winning one game each.

Results: Mckenna's 7 Coxhoe WMC 6; Stateside 10 Three Horse Shoes 3; Cooperage 4 Marquis of Granby 9; Oak Tree 6 Flass 7; Hare and Greyhound 9 Winnings 4; Daisy Hill 9 White Tun 4; Snooker Club 9 DLI 4; Woodmans 7 Catholic Club 6.