Appleton wins 9-ball title

ENGLAND’S Darren Appleton turned back China’s Lee He-wen, 13-12, Thursday to win the 2012 World 9-Ball Championship at the Al Sadd Sports Club in Doha, Qatar.

Appleton, the 2009 world 10-ball champion, stormed to an 11-3 lead, then suddenly lost his touch and allowed Lee to come to within 11-6 in the alternate break final.

The former snooker star reached the hill, 12-6, but Lee refused to die and eventually managed to tie.

Keeping his focus, Appleton jumped the cue ball over the blocking ball and holed the 2-ball at the side pocket en route to a clear out, the title and the $40,000 that goes with it.