The highlight of the Albany Eight Ball Association’s winter calendar lived up to expectations on Saturday, as Leigh Hills was crowned the organisation’s A-grade winter singles champion.

The association’s top players battled it out at the Stirling Club for one of the most anticipated events on the calendar.

Hills emerged as the champion after beating Damian Mackay 4-2 in the grand final.

The match showcased the standard of pool in Albany, with both players producing strong tactical play and some impressive shot-making throughout the match.

The other semifinalists were Shaun Rimes and David Lewis, who both put together strong performances throughout the tournament.

Rimes’ run was particularly notable, progressing to the last four despite competing as a B-grade player in the A-grade championship.

His performance demonstrated the gap between grades can be narrow when players are given the opportunity to compete at a higher level.

The tournament featured a full day of competitive pool, with closely fought matches, unexpected results, and plenty of high-quality play.

The association’s next major event is presentation day and the open winter singles tournament, at the Stirling Club on August 22.

That competition is open to players in A, B and C-grades.