WOE Open Billiards Winner - Steve Brookshaw 2019-20
Michael Day BLOG-NEWS, English Billiards, English Billiards Tournaments, West of England Open Billiards

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. 

Michael Day BLOG-NEWS, Coaching, English Billiards, Gold Waistcoat Masters, Gold Waistcoat Tour, Ladies Snooker, Snooker Tournaments, West of England Open Billiards, West of England Open Snooker, West of England Snooker Open

Coaching, Competitions, Community | WEBSF celebrates 15 years of providing Billiards and Snooker for all

On September 25th 2004, the West of England Billiards and Snooker Foundation was born. An official launch day was held at the Victoria Snooker Centre in Plymouth, hosted by WEBSF Patron and six-time world professional snooker champion Ray Reardon MBE.

A not-for-profit community group run by a small band of passionate and dedicated volunteers, the Foundation had a vision to encourage participation in grassroots billiards and snooker, providing opportunities into these wonderful sports for all, regardless of age, ability or location within the West of England. 

Despite difficult economic times and trying logistical issues, these goals throughout the past 15 years have been achieved. Maintaining a sustainable model, the organisation is stronger today than it has ever been, as it continues to help those who may otherwise have been unable to realise and develop their potential within the sports.

Coaching, competitions, community. Let’s look back at some of the images from the last 15 years…..

WESBF Patron and six-time world professional snooker champion Ray Reardon MBE hosted the launch day in September 2004 at the Victoria Snooker Centre in Plymouth.
The WEBSF have provided countless community and group coaching sessions in safe venues and environments across the West of England. Priding themselves to facilitate personal improvement through coaching, their unique, bespoke certified assessment scheme allows students to track and evaluate their progress.
Structured, tailor-made one-to-one coaching (and ecoaching) sessions have also been in demand. These too have remained accessible and affordable for all.
The foundation has already held over 200 tournaments, catering for players of all levels and ages, many of whom were making their first steps into tournament action. The flagship Gold Series has remained a constant throughout the 15 years – featuring several former and future professional players. In total, over 9,500 matches and 55,000 frames have been completed so far. This season, 100% of all entry fees will be awarded out straight away as prize money – nearly £60,000 has been paid out to date since 2004.
The WEBSF has helped over 750 different cueists find their competitive edge.
In more recent times the invitational Gold Masters Championship has been held for the best performing players from that season’s Gold Series.
The WEBSF Ladies Open has been a permanent annual fixture on the tournament calendar, and there is an exciting rebranding of the event on the horizon!
Serious about the three-ball sport too, two tournaments per year are hosted – the English Billiards Open and the West of England English Billiards Open
One of the WEBSF’s most publicised successes has been the rise of established professional player Sam Baird; a two-time World Championship Crucible qualifier. The Silver and Gold Series’ helped aid Baird’s snooker education and development.
A platform for gaining new skills, the WEBSF continues to create volunteer opportunities and pathways for a wide range of roles – no experience is necessary and no barriers to personal development can’t be overcome!
Passion and volunteering have always been the heartbeat of the Foundation.

The West of England Billiards and Snooker Foundation – Billiards and Snooker for all. Here’s to the next 15 years and beyond!

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS, West of England Open Billiards

English Billiards Event – Results due in soon

February 23rd at Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon. To enter select WoE Billiards Open

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS, English Billiards, English Billiards Tournaments, West of England Billiards, West of England Open Billiards

Mullane Wins in the West

WOE Open Billiards Winner & Highest Break (183) - John Mullane 2017-18

John Mullane came out on top of a very good field of English Billiard players at Jesters, Swindon to win the West of England English Billiards Open and take the highest break prize.  Select Results to find out more.