Phil Brazier. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
POOL
CHRIS COGDALE
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Winning national titles is nothing new for Masterton pool player Phil Brazier who beat a 180-strong field to win the national Masters 8-ball singles championship.
Brazier, representing the Wairarapa Services and Citizens Club, was in sublime form throughout the six-day tournament at the Cashmere Club in Christchurch.
Brazier comfortably made it through the early rounds, finishing second in his section to qualify for finals play on Friday.
He met Malcolm Pollock [Christchurch] in the semifinals, winning the best-of-nine match 5-3.
In the final, Brazier dominated his opponent, Wayne Tibbitts [Porirua Club], cruising to a 5-1 victory.
The win was also a welcome birthday present for Brazier who turned 60 last week.
Brazier partnered Graham Carr [Christchurch] to finish ninth in the pairs championship.
This singles title added to a proud record of major titles for Brazier.
In 1983, he became the youngest winner of the national championships.
He won the 1992 North Island singles championship, and the national and North Island pairs titles with former Masterton man Dave Hullena in 1993.
He previously won the Masters singles in 2012 and the Masters pairs in 2013.
Brazier also represented New Zealand at the 1992 world championships in Germany.
