NORWAY'S Tore Torgersen claimed his third Brunswick World Tenpin Masters title after a thrilling final against Sweden's Tomas Leandersson in front of a capacity crowd at the Goresbrook Centre, East London.

Both players came into the match on the back of some stellar performances over the weekend and a high scoring encounter was expected.

Torgersen led 230-224 at the half way stage and struck out to take the second game 206-191 to give an aggregate of 436-415.

"It was unbelievable, he beamed. "I never thought I would be able to do it one more time. I just tried to hang on in the first game and strike as many times as I could.

"Tomas is one of the best guys I've ever bowled against and his record against me is superb. It was by far the best crowd I've played in front of. They were knew a lot about bowling and were very supportive of all the players."

Torgersen takes home a cheque for US$30,000 as Masters Champion, while Leandersson earned $10,000.

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STEPHEN HENDRY claimed the 71st senior title of his career as he won the 2004 Betfair Premier Snooker League with a 9-6 win over John Higgins.

Before a capacity crowd in Colwyn Bay, Hendry defeated his compatriot to take the Premier League trophy for the sixth time and earn himself a £45,000 pay cheque.

Leading 5-3 at the end of the afternoon session, Hendry withstood a comeback from Higgins - who had earlier come within two balls of a 147 - as the pair produced one frame winning break after another in a high-quality encounter.

"I played pretty well throughout, Hendry said. "John never knows when to give up and when he came back it could have been a bit smelly for me but I was able to scramble over the line and I'm delighted."

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