Len Homenchuk got a chance to redeem himself.
After finishing fourth at last year's Canadian Snooker Championship, Homenchuk took full advantage of his opportunity this year, winning 15 of 17 games played en route to the Canadian title.
Homenchuk made his 14th trip (second as a senior) to the Canadians this year, held in Markham, Ont. June 22 to July 1.
He won his first match 3-0 against last year's finalist, beat another Ontario competitor in match two 3-0 to set up a semifinal match against Vic Pottruff.
It was a tough match that Homenchuk managed to pull out to advance to the finals.
Pottruff dropped down to the B-event in the double knockout playoffs and fought his way back for a rematch.
But Homenchuk was on a roll and defeated Pottruff again, this time 4-1.
"It was such a great feeling. I will cherish the championship ring forever. Once you're a Canadian champion you're always a Canadian champion. They can never take that ring away from me," Homenchuk said. "I knew I should have won last year. I made a few critical mistakes and it cost me. I think I used that experience to my advantage this year. I didn't want to ever have that feeling again."
Through the support of family and friends, Homenchuk buckled down this year and prepared for battle.
"We're lucky to have such a great league here on the Coast," he said. "There are a couple of guys here that give me a real battle every time we play. Getting in that quality playing time before Markham really helped. I was so focused on every shot at the table. It was great knowing that I prepared so much and everything worked out so well."
As an added bonus, Homenchuk was presented his championship ring by none other than Cliff Thorburn. Thorburn, from Victoria, is generally recognized as the only overseas player to win the world championship. When it comes to snooker in Canada, Thorburn's name is synonymous.
"Cliff and I go way back," Homenchuk said. "I played Cliff when he was 18 in Campbell River. Three years later he paid me the $20 he lost. We've been friends ever since. I was his water boy when he won his first Canadians in 1974. It was very special to have him present me with my ring. It's a memory I will always cherish."
