The victory represents Steadman’s second title of the campaign, having also won event one, and returns him to poll position in the one-year ‘Race to the Crucible’ ranking list as he looks to earn a return to the iconic Crucible Theatre for the World Seniors Championship in 2027.
A total of 61 cueists from seven countries embarked on Reading – including previous event winners Steadman and Ryan Day, as well as former ranking event winners Robert Milkins and eventual finalist Robertson.
Steadman, who reached the semi-finals at the Crucible this year, kicked off with a whitewash win over India’s Anurag Saboo before overcoming John Parkin in a deciding frame – having been pulled back from 3-0 ahead.
Things didn’t get any easier for the World Snooker Tour (WST) professional as he faced a trio of former Crucible Theatre qualifiers in succession.
A 4-2 win against fellow former professional Gerard Greene was followed by having to come from 3-1 behind to overcome Neal Jones in a deciding frame on Sunday morning. Breaks of 80, 50 and 54 then saw Steadman defeated Barry Pinches 4-1 to set up a title match meeting with Robertson.
The 2018 European Masters winner had last beaten Rory McLeod to reach the title match on his World Seniors Snooker debut. He was given no time to settle into the final, however, as Steadman began with the tournament high break of 127 before following up with a 63 to move 2-0 ahead.
Robertson rallied with breaks of 53 and 67 to restore parity, but Steadman then regained his advantage with a contribution of 74 before getting over the line in frame six to win the title.
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Craig Steadman isn’t and never was a “top player” but he’s extremely determined and tenacious. He always makes his opponent work really hard to earn their points. He’s never easy to beat and he never gives up.
