PAUL Thomas continued his superb form by winning the first event of the 2006 North Yorkshire 8ball Pool Grand Prix.

He beat Steve Bradley 7-4 in a scrappy final at The Acomb to make it ten wins from the last 11 tournaments he has entered.

Thomas had topped Group 'B' with an unbeaten record to earn a quarter-final with Group 'C' runner-up Paul Wringe who qualified by virtue of a one-frame sudden death play-off with Graham Bielby.

He looked down and out as Bielby had two visits on a straight black but amazingly twitched twice to lose the frame.

Wringe eventually lost 5-1 to Thomas who defeated Group 'D' winner Simon Newby 6-4 in the semi-finals.

Newby earlier survived a decider in his quarter-final clash with Danny Bodden.

Bradley led his group without defeat before beating Group 'B' runner-up Trev Simpson in the last eight. He then staged a fightback against Group 'A' winner, Andy Warriner who led 5-3 before Bradley reeled off the last three frames to end a barren run of form.

Warriner had earlier beaten surprise qualifier Dave Clayton in the last eight.

The next event is on Saturday. March 11 and is limited to 32 players.

The £10 entry guaranteesevery player 20 frames of pool and the event is open to any amateur player who plays in a North Yorkshire league.

Updated: 10:09 Thursday, March 02, 2006