ANDY Marshall won the York and District Snooker Association Knockout Handicap competition for February by beating John Decaux 70-39 in the final to qualify for a Champion of Champions place at the end of the season.

Decaux received a 14-point handicap start from Marshall but Marshall dominated after a 20 break gave him the lead and Decaux eventually conceded on the blue.

Marshall had won on the colours to defeat Mark Dodds 60-47 in his semi-final after scoring the highest break of the main competition, 31, in his 77-45 quarter final success against Chris Poole.

Decaux, who was making his debut in the competition, beat Paul Roberts 72-49 in his quarter-final and potted well to make a 29 break in his semi-final win over Adam Scaife.

A record 30 players entered the Heworth Minibuses-sponsored event at the Cueball Club and highlights of the first round included breaks of 23, 24 and 25 by Kevin Hopper, Tim Miles and Paul Roberts respectively.

Hopper beat Gavin Smith 65-59 in the second round before going out to eventual winner Marshall in the quarters.

Youngster Steve Gregson's bid ended in the second round when Dodds cleared the last three colours in one visit to win 55-34.

Closest game of the second round saw Paul Roberts making a 27 break to go through 93-86 on a re-spotted black against James Want.

The plate competition was won by Gavin Smith, who defeated John Dowd 75-41 in the final.

Highlights of the early rounds included breaks of 65 by Andy Crosby and 28 by Zak Sardi.

Updated: 11:04 Saturday, March 09, 2002