Both players produced a final worthy of the occasion. Pallett averaged 89.51 to Bristow’s 82.47, and the match was a tense back-and-forth affair filled with quality scoring and clutch finishing. With the contest locked at 4–4, the title came down to a single leg — and Pallett delivered under pressure. Holding his nerve, he checked out 85 in style — 19, 16, and a perfectly aimed bullseye — to seal the victory in spectacular fashion.
Pallett’s run to the title was a showcase of composure and class. After a dominant 4–0 win over Richard Lacey to open his campaign, he powered past Mitchell Lawrie 4–0 in the Last 16 and continued his fine form with an 88.15 average in a 4–1 victory over Michael Wiles in the quarter-finals. The semi-final saw him overcome Reece Colley 4–2 in a high-quality contest, setting up the dramatic finale against Bristow.
Jimmy Bristow, meanwhile, was one of the standout stories of the tournament. He produced a magnificent 102.90 average in his 4–2 quarter-final win over Bradley Kirk — one of the highest of the entire event — and showed determination and skill throughout. His victories over Jeff Smith, Jayden Jones, and Jason Heaver (in a thrilling 4–3 semi-final) highlighted his growing form and fearless approach on the big stage.
There were several other notable runs in a field packed with quality. Reece Colley continued his rise with steady, mature performances that saw him reach the semi-finals after wins over Peter Gallacher and Darren Johnson, while Jason Heaver impressed again with composed, high-scoring displays — particularly his quarter-final triumph over Callum Francis. Bradley Kirk, Michael Wiles, and David Francis also featured strongly in the last eight, reinforcing the strength and depth of the competition.
Earlier rounds saw a flurry of heavy scoring, with Neil Duff, Nick Fullwell, and Mitchell Lawrie all averaging in the high 80s despite narrowly missing out on deeper runs. Tergel Khurelkhuu and Peter Gallacher also turned heads with fine performances that underlined the ever-expanding talent pool in the English game.
For David Pallett, this victory was another reminder of his ability to deliver when it matters most. The final leg’s precision — a cool 85 checkout on 19, 16, and the bull — perfectly summed up his poise under pressure. It was a champion’s finish to a champion’s weekend.
As celebrations began, and with Bristow earning admiration for his brilliant run, the England Classic Open once again proved why it’s one of the most prestigious and fiercely contested events in the calendar — a stage where composure, class, and quality shine brightest.
