Alex Borg has won the national snooker championship for the 13th time in his career after edging Duncan Bezzina 6-5 in an exciting final last weekend.

The title decider, played in front of a sizeable crowd at the Melita Band Club in Msida, was a nail-biting affair with Borg and Bezzina living up to their billing as the country’s two leading players.

There was little between the two finalists from the outset with Borg going 2-1 up after losing the first frame. Bezzina levelled at 2-2 but a break of 59 put Borg 3-2 up after taking the fifth frame.

Bezzina responded with a run of 82 points in the next frame to restore parity but Borg won a tight seventh frame 66-63 with a break of 56.

The balance continued with Bezzina winning two of the next three frames but Borg relied on his experience to claim the 11th and decisive frame, 56-31.

The game was controlled by international referee Paul Galea.

In a short address at the end of the final, Frans Bugeja, the president of the Malta Billiards and Snooker Association (MBSA) congratulated the two finalists for their excellent performance.

Bugeja praised Borg and Bezzina for their impeccable conduct and the sporting spirit they showed throughout the final, adding that they are an example for all the upcoming snooker players.

Final result: Borg beat Bezzina6-5 – 46-69, 57-52, 55-51, 14-72, 91(59)-35, 8-86(82), 66-63(56),4-73, 55-18, 1-52 ,56-31.