WOE Open Billiards Winner - Steve Brookshaw 2019-20

Brilliant Brookshaw’s Swindon Success

Steve Brookshaw became the fourth different cueist in as many years to lift the West of England English Billiards Open trophy following his triumph at Jesters Snooker Hall in Swindon last weekend. 

Two times a winner of the WEBSF Billiards Open, Brookshaw emerged from a quality and varied entry of 25 players to claim his first WoE Billiards Open success. 

Billiards Bonanza! Everyone is ready for action.

Groups Stage

Finalist at this season’s WEBSF Billiards Open, Terry Azor went undefeated, winning all six of his fixtures to top Group A. Joining Azor in the last 16 knockout rounds were second placed David Gillingham (5 out of 6 wins), third placed Roy Jenkins and fourth placed Graham Riley. 

In arguably the ‘group of death’, defending champion Ryan Mears won Group B with a 100% record and the highest break of the event, 113. Brookshaw racked up a plethora of sizeable contributions including efforts of 108 and 106 in coming second; third placed Chris Coumbe fashioned a 98. Qualifying alongside this recent world championship trio was Phil Davis. 

In Group C experienced campaigner Jamie Wayman (77 and 51 breaks) headed the section with five from five, whilst a hat-trick of half centuries aided Wales’ Eddie Duggan into second. WEBSF Billiards newcomer Naufer Saleem (third) and Mark Hill (fourth) also progressed. 

Just one win seperated the top four in Group D; Korbin Lowe (60 and 56 breaks) ousting Martin Phillips to the group number one spot after finished on four wins each. 2018 runner-up Michael White (third – 58, 58 and 54 breaks) and Mahmoud Alzaid (fourth) were the others to advance.

2020 West of England English Billiards Open Finalists Steve Brookshaw and Chris Coumbe. Volunteer Referee David Cook officiated throughout the day at Jesters.

The Knockout Phase

Mears’ quest to retain the title remained on course when a run of 92 helped him eliminate Alzaid. Coumbe (60 break) edged past Gillingham by just 13 points in the closest climax of the last 16 round, although Riley’s 141-123 success over Wayman was not far behind. Saleem’s spirited debut was ended by Brookshaw, whose 61 break was well timed in a 165-118 outcome. Azor, White, Jenkins and Davis (55 break) were the others to make it through to the last eight following their 40-minute wins.

The upset of the tournament came in the quarter-finals when Mears was dethroned by Jenkins 116-60, whilst a run of 57 from White proved not to be enough as Azor pipped him by only five points (142-137). The biggest breaks of the round were crafted by Coumbe (98) and Brookshaw (60) as they ended the hopes of Riley and Davis respectively. 

An all-Plymouth final was later confirmed as 2017 finalist Coumbe got the better of Azor 148-128 and Brookshaw did likewise to Jenkins 119-84 in the semi-finals. Teammates and travel partners for major billiards events around the UK, Europe and beyond, Coumbe and Brookshaw met in the title match. In a relatively low scoring final, the decorated Brookshaw (55 break) completed the WEBSF English Billiards double with a 163-89 win. 

In the plate competition for those who didn’t qualify for the knockout phase of the main event, Martin Howell overcame David Riley 114-99 in the final to become victorious. 

The West of England Billiards and Snooker Foundation would like to thank host venue Jesters Snooker Hall, its staff and volunteer referee David Cook for all their hard work and dedication throughout the day. 

English Billiards | Brookshaw matches personal best in Cwmbran

WEBSF Billiards Open champion Steve Brookshaw equalled his career best result in a World Billiards ranking event at last weekend’s Welsh Open. 

Held at the Redz Snooker Club in Cwmbran, female and male entrants from the UK and beyond made up the starting line-up of 43 players. 

Brookshaw, who went into the tournament as world number 13, began strongly in South Wales, topping his group after winning all three round-robin matches. Seeded through to the last 16, the versatile cueist stepped things up as he crafted a break of 141 during a 403-256 victory over Brian Harvey.

In the quarter-finals he faced fellow local Plymouth Billiards League player and WEBSF participant Barry Russell, who was enjoying his longest run in a World Billiards main event. A close affair between the two, Brookshaw managed to progress by a margin of just 29 points. 

Now matching his semi-final finish from the Scottish Open a few years ago, Brookshaw was denied a maiden final appearance by in-form world number one Peter Gilchrist after a 794-180 defeat. Singaporean representative Gilchrist went on to lift his fourth trophy in a row and sixth of the season when seeing off Martin Goodwill – another former WEBSF entrant in the final. 

During what was a fine weekend for several players of the Foundation, Chris Coumbe also recorded his joint-best outcome after reaching the last eight where he bowed out to Goodwill.

Alongside the aforementioned Harvey, West of England Billiards champion Ryan Mears’ hopes ended in the last 16 when he was stopped by Gilchrist. Terry Azor, Geoffrey Lingard, Mark Hill and Michael White all qualified from the groups to reach the knockout phase where they lost in the last 32.

On the Billiards Trail with Brookshaw & Coumbe

Plymouth’s Steve Brookshaw and Chris Coumbe have been at it again. This time in the LITEtask World Billiards Scotish Open. Steve reached the semi-final of the main event whilst Chris reached the final of the Plate. Well done to both players. Visit www.world-billiards.com for more information.

WEBSF Do English Billiards

Take a look at @WEBSF_UK’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/WEBSF_UK/status/660880698228776960?s=09

Have Billiard Cues Will Travel

Take a look at @WEBSF_UK’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/WEBSF_UK/status/632464280445698048?s=09 Two of WEBSF’s finest head to Leeds for the LITEtask UK Open.

Player of the Month

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March 2013 News

BRANTON WINS
A trip to the South West Snooker Academy, Gloucester. saw Dale Branton, from Plymouth start slowly only to improve as the day progressed to beat Paul Standen from Braunton in the final to take event 4 of the WEBSF Gold Waistcoat Tour. Once again Standen was in excellent form posting the best break of the day a fine 104 clearance to take the break prize. Click here for more details of this event and the Gold Waistcoat Tour.

Thanks to all at the SWSA, Gloucester who made everyone welcome and provided sponsorship for the event. A special mention for EASB Referee Nick Harry for his exceptional show of stamina to officiate for over 13 hours on the day!

This time 100% of the entry fees went as prize money!

CHRIS COUMBE IS HOPING FOR A LOVELY DAY TRIP TO BANGOR
Well done Chris Coumbe from Plymouth who is off to Bangor, Northern Ireland next weekend to play for the England Under 19’s in the EABA Kingsman Cup. Chris will provide us with an article of his experience on his return. We wish him well.

Unfortunately due to bad weather on the day Chris was due to fly to Ireland his flight was cancelled.

SEATON LEAGUE RESULTS – WEEK 17
WMC storm into second place aided by a massive six bonus points. For all the latest news from Seaton Snooker League click here.

WEBSF GOLD WAISTCOAT TOUR EVENT 4 – SOUTHWEST SNOOKER ACADEMY
Herewith the revised details for the next Gold Waistcoat Event at the South West Snooker Academy on the 23rd March 2013:-

Number of players will be limited to 28 determined on a ‘first come first served’ basis
To register an interest contact the WEBSF by one of the following means: Mobile: Steve Canniford 07891940995, Wayne Branton 07980788484 or eMail: websf_uk@yahoo.co.uk
Registration begins at 8:00pm on the 13th March 2013
Your entry fee must be received within 24 hours of registering your interest. Pay by PayPal stevecanniford@gmail.com, Cash, Cheque made payable to WEBSF or Bank Transfer. (If payment is not received within 24 hours you will be deemed not to have registered an interest).
The group stage format will be 4 groups of 7 players playing the 2 frames against each player in the group to determine qualifiers for the knock-out stage. (3 points for a win 1 for a draw. Equal group positions will be determined by head to head results and the a black ball shoot-out elimination which will be drawn out if more that two players are level on points)
The number of qualifiers progressing to the knock-out stage will be determined by remaining time available.
Players to congregate in the lounge area of the bar by 09:15 for the Tournament Director briefing.
Play to commence at 09:30 prompt!
WEBSF tournament rules apply, please familiarize yourself with them Gold Waistcoat Tour, Tournament Structure & Rules

WEBSF Management Team

OVERSEAS STARS SHINE AT THE ACADEMY
Nathanael Beckrich beat fellow South West Snooker Academy overseas visitor Alex Ursenbacher in Silver Waistcoat event four at the Academy. Haydon Pinhey still heads up the overall rankings with just two more events remaining. Click here for a report and more details.

Thanks to all at the SWSA, Gloucester who made everyone welcome and sponsored the event. A special mention for EASB Referees Nick Harry and Steve Brookshaw for their excellent refereeing throughout the day.

This time 100% of the entry fees went as prize money!

SEATON LEAGUE RESULTS – WEEK 16
All the latest news from Seaton Snooker League. Click here to get to the Seaton League Home Page.

WEBSF SILVER WAISTCOAT TOUR EVENT 4 – SOUTHWEST SNOOKER ACADEMY
Herewith the details for the next Silver Waistcoat Event at the South West Snooker Academy on the 9th March 2013. The details are as follows:-

The group stage format currently stands at 3 groups of 5 and 1 group of 4 players playing the best of 3 frames against each player in the group.
The knock-out stage format will be determined by the number of qualifiers from the group stage and time available.
Players to congregate in the lounge area of the bar by 09:15 for the Tournament Director briefing.
Play to commence at 09:30 prompt!
WEBSF tournament rules apply, please familiarize yourself with them Silver Waistcoat Tour, Tournament Structure & Rules.

The limit for this tournament event has not been reached therefore places maybe available on the day at the Tournament Director’s discretion. If you wish to register an interest for his tournament and/or future WEBSF tournaments contact the WEBSF by one of the following means:-

Mob: Steve Canniford 07891949995, Wayne Branton 07980788484
eMail: websf_uk@yahoo.co.uk

WEBSF Management Team

February 2013 News

SILVER WAISTCOAT EVENT 4 – Tournament Registration & Entry
To be considered for the next WEBSF Silver Waistcoat Tournament due to be held at the South West Snooker Academy, Gloucester on the 9th March 2013.

Registration, Entry and Draw – Registration opens on Monday 23rd February 2013. The number of entrants will be limited due to the number of tables and time available therefore entry is secured on a ‘first come first served basis’, a Tournament Director will confirm your entry within 24 hours of the receipt of your entry fee. Registration will close on Sunday 3rd March 2013 at 8:00pm or before if the limit is reach. If you express and interest after registration closes your participation may still be considered. This will be at the Tournament Director’s discretion. The tournament draw will be posted on the WEBSF Web site and Face Book by midnight Monday 4th March 2013. Your registration and entry fee, £15 plus membership (potential new members – please enquire before payment is made), must be received by the registration closing date. Your payment options are:-

Option 1: (Preferred) Electronic Bank Transfer to the WEBSF bank account (contact Steve Canniford or Wayne Branton who will provide details on request, alternatively eMail (websf_uk@yahoo.co.uk) the WEBSF.

Option 2: Cash to one of the WEBSF Tournament Directors (Steve Canniford or Wayne Branton), who will provide a receipt on request.

Option 3: PayPal to Steve Canniford (steve.canniford@gmail.com) who will transfer this to the WEBSF bank account and provide a receipt on request. (It was hoped to use the WEBSF PayPal account but this would incur fees which would have to be taken out the final prize monies)

Option 4: Bank Cheque, made payable to WEBSF.

Commitment to play – If, before the registration closing date, a player decides that they will not be able to fulfil their commitment to play, they must contact one of the Tournament Directors as soon as possible, so that their place can be offered to another player. If this is after the registration closing date the WEBSF Management Team will decide on what course of action will be taken and whether the player will receive a refund/credit.

Tournament play – Play will commence at the designated start time of 9:30am and is planned to finish before 8:00pm at the latest. Where players are more than 5 minutes late for the commencement of a match he/she shall forfeit the first frame, if after waiting a further 15 minutes for them to show, the match will be forfeit. Where both players are more than 5 minutes late the match will start at 1 frame each. If both players are more than 15 minutes late both will forfeit the match. There will not be any planned breaks to take refreshment, players are to make their own judgement to accommodate this need when not required to play. The Tournament Director’s decision is final on all matters relating to the tournament.

Dress code:
Option 1 – Waistcoat, Collared Shirt, Smart Trousers, Dark Shoes.
Option 2 – Collared Polo Shirt (Single colour), Smart Trousers, Dark Shoes. (Polo shirts can be purchased from the WEBSF and the Academy)
(Jeans, Trainers, Sandals are strictly forbidden)

WEBSF Management Team

SEATON LEAGUE RESULTS – WEEK 14 & 15
All the latest news from Seaton Snooker League. Click here to get to the Seaton League Home Page.

WEBSF ACHIEVERS
Three WEBSF Member’s achievements have been rewarded with financial assistance. Steve Brookshaw, Haydon Pinhey & Chris Coumbe were presented with cheques by EASB Nick Harry at the South West Snooker Academy before the latest Gold Waistcoat tour event took place. Click here to read more.

NECK MAKES A MOVE ON GOLD
The South West Snooker Academy, at Gloucester has become a ‘Honey Pot’ attracting players eager for a taste of what it’s like to play snooker under world class conditions. One of the WEBSF main aims is to facilitate opportunities for its members to realise their dreams and aspirations. One such aspiration was realised this past weekend when the WEBSF took the Gold Waistcoat Tour to the Academy. Fast running cloths, responsive cushions and tight pocket openings prove unforgiving of a less than perfect technique and lapses in concentration. With a full days snooker ahead of them mental stamina would also play an important part in whittling the field down to two players to compete in the final. Andy Neck, from Newton Abbot and Paul Standen from Braunton proved worthy of the challenge and met in the final. Click here for the outcome and more details on the Gold Waistcoat Tour.

Thanks to all at the SWSA, Gloucester who made everyone welcome and provided sponsorship for the event. A special mention for EASB Referee Nick Harry for his exceptional show of stamina to officiate for over 13 hours on the day!

This time 100% of the entry fees went as prize money!

FORMER WORLD BILLIARDS CHAMPION COMES TO THE WESTCOUNTRY
Peter Gilchrist will be at St Rumons Club, Redruth and Belgrave Snooker Club, Plymouth on 5th and 6th March 2013 respectively. Click here for a report and more details.

WEBSF GOLD WAISTCOAT TOUR EVENT 3 – SOUTHWEST SNOOKER ACADEMY
Herewith the details for the next Gold Waistcoat Event at the South West Snooker Academy on the 9th February 2013. The details are as follows:-

The group stage format will be 4 groups of 7 players playing the best of 3 frames against each player in the group to determine qualifiers for the knock-out stage.
The knock-out stage format will be determined by the number of qualifiers from the group stage and time available.)
Players to congregate in the lounge area of the bar by 09:15 for the Tournament Director briefing.
Play to commence at 09:30 prompt!
WEBSF tournament rules apply, please familiarize yourself with them Gold Waistcoat Tour, Tournament Structure & Rules

Even though the limit for this tournament event has been reached, a reserve list of players wanting to play is being compiled and will be referred to in the event of places becoming available. If you wish to register an interest for this tournament and/or future WEBSF tournaments contact the WEBSF by one of the following means:-

Mob: Steve Canniford 07891949995, Wayne Branton 07980788484
eMail: websf_uk@yahoo.co.uk

WEBSF Management Team

SEATON LEAGUE RESULTS – WEEK 13
Ben Pike falls two short of his first league century. Click here to get to the Seaton League Home Page.

September 2012 News

PINHEY AND COUMBE SELECTED FOR THE HOME INTERNATIONALS
Haydon Pinhey from Plymouth and Chris Coumbe also from Plymouth have both been selected to attend the Home Internationals at Prestatyn, North Wales. Pinhey takes his place for the second time in the England Youth Team whilst Coumbe, having been a player last year, will be officiating as a referee. Coumbe has also been selected to referee at the World Billiards Championships in Leeds. The WEBSF Management Team congratulate them on their achievements and wish them well on behalf of all WEBSF members.

STEVE BROOKSHAW TO PLAY IN WORLD BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Steve Brookshaw from Plymouth has qualified to compete in the world Billiards Championships later this month. Fellow members of the WEBSF Management Team congratulate him and wish him well in the championships.

April 2012 News

SEATON LEAGUE – SAM BAIRD EXHIBITION
Report and results of Sam Baird exhibition promoted by the Seaton Snooker league. For more information click here.

BRANTON WINS EVENT – NECK IS LIFTS OVERALL TITLE
Dale Branton from Plymouth became the sixth event winner out of six events. However, it was Andy Neck takes the prestigious title of West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Gold Waistcoat Champion 2011/12. Neck also posted the overall best break of 133 clearance. Click here for more results.

Thanks to Rileys Snooker Club, Plymouth who sponsored the event.

This time 95% of the entry fees went as prize money!

LOCK RECEIVES BELATED REWARD
This presentation was delayed due to others more pressing matters but the WEBSF does not forget. As has become customary Darran Lock from Seaton, Cornwall was presented with a donation by the WEBSF. This is in recognition for being selected to play in the 201 Home Internationals. The money will help replenish those funds that suffered from having to self fund his travelling and overnight accommodation expenses. This link shows WEBSF Head of Coaching, Steve Canniford presenting the cheque to Darran, with fellow Gold Waistcoat players looking on.

SEATON LEAGUE LATEST RESULTS
Latest Seaton League results now in. Don’t forget the Sam Baird exhibition next Tuesday at Chard. Click here to get to the Seaton League Home Page.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – HANDICAP OPEN CANCELLED
The Open Handicap Tournament due to be held at Rileys Snooker Club, Plymouth on Sunday 8th April 2012 has been cancelled due to lack of numbers. Next Open Handicapped Tournament will be Sunday 20th May 2012.

COUMBE WINS EABA JUNIOR BILLIARDS TOURNAMENT
Chris Coumbe won the English Amateur Billiards Association Junior Billiards Event 5 hosted by the WEBSF and Rileys Snooker Club, Plymouth. Runner-up was Dan Legassick.

JAMES LEE WINS GOLD EVENT
James Lee from Torbay come through to win the penultimate WEBSF Gold Waistcoat Tour event of the season. Lee Walters was runner-up and ranking table leader Andy Neck made the best break of the day a fine 120 clearance. However, it was youngsters Michael Rogers, Dale Branton and Haydon Pinhey that made an impression. Click here for more results.

Thanks to Rileys Snooker Club, Plymouth who sponsored the event.

This time 98% of the entry fees went as prize money!