Snooker: Dale makes highest break

THE WELSHMAN Dominic Dale achieved a career milestone in Bournemouth yesterday when he compiled the highest break seen at the Liverpool Victoria UK Championship since 1995.

The former Grand Prix champion from Penarth made a total clearance of 145 in the seventh frame of his match with Scotland's Drew Henry. Dale's previous best since turning professional in 1992 was a 144 during the Strachan Challenge two years later.

His chance of a maximum break disappeared when he potted the blue after taking 10 reds and nine blacks. "I could have tried for the next black but I wanted to make sure of winning the frame," said the 27-year-old world No 19.

Dale, who had earlier made breaks of 68 and 84, finished the afternoon with another century. Henry failed to pot a ball in the last two frames as Dale chalked up 264 points without reply to finish the session at 4- 4.