The 52-year-old started out playing snooker nearly 40 years ago and, with his eyesight fading, thought his best days were behind him.
But Chin cruised through the first two rounds, beating Daniel Bowen 5-1 and Ian McDonald 6-2.
In the semifinal he eliminated Deane Campbell 6-3 and looked on track to blitz the reigning New Zealand eight ball and nine ball champion in the final.
Leading six frames to two, Chin suddenly got an attack of the nerves and missed a sinkable shot with his $2300 cue he bought from the United States, one of three expensive felt-tipped sticks he owns.
Worts went on to win the frame and the next three games to draw level 6-6.
The champ appeared poised to clean the table in the deciding frame but left Chin an opportunity, which he seized, dropping a tricky shot to seal the title.
"He put up quite a fight, as he always does," Chin said.
"I was just lucky enough to get away to a good start against him. I was 6-2 up and missed the black to beat him 7-2.
"I was a wee bit nervous because I have not beaten Ceri since the $10,000 Queenstown tournament [in 2004]. He's never forgotten that and has beat me ever since."
His win capped off a good couple of months for Chin.
In April, he won the regional championships to qualify for the nationals, which will be staged in Tokoroa in mid June.
Chin's win in the South Island championships saw him scale the rankings.
He is now the No 2 ranked eight ball player in the country and the first Dunedin-based player to win since the competition switched to nine foot tables about 15 years ago.
Chin said his eyesight was deteriorating every year and it was getting harder to compete with the younger players.
But he has no immediate plans to give the sport away.
"I just keep playing because it has been a passion of mine for many years now. And to win has been a nice experience."
Up-and-coming Dunedin racing car Driver John Whelan was beaten in the semifinal by Worts.
In the women's competition Lydia Nenewale, of Dunedin, beat Darlene Black, also of Dunedin, 6-0.
