Eddie Manning Overall Champion
Gold Waistcoat Tour Final Ranking Table 2016-17
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 1
(The Galaxy Centre, Torquay)
Grinsted paces his way to victory
Report
29th October 2016
At the Galaxy Centre, Torquay former West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation, Gold Waistcoat Snooker Tour champion Mitchel Grinsted from Plymouth paced his journey to the final of the latest tour event to perfection. His qualification from the group stages was economical and business-like and demonstrated the importance of picking up frames, especially in defeat. Once in the knock-out stage Grinsted grew stronger with each match, making breaks of 50, 65 and in the final breaks of 54 & 69 to beat Darran Lock from Cornwall. Lock’s route to the final was comparable to Grinsted, he too profited from winning loose frames in the group stages to qualify. In the knock-out stage he then defeated quality players that included the current tour champion Haydon Pinhey from Plymouth. The match of the tournament was arguably between one of the strong favourites Eddie Manning and Ben Rickard, both from Cornwall. Manning started off with a 62 break, that should have been enough to win the first frame. However, Rickard responded with an excellent 73 break to win the frame. Rickard then posted a 48 break in the next frame to complete an unexpected but well deserved win.
In the group stages three of the sixteen players that qualified did so without losing a match; Manning, Pinhey and Andy Neck from Newton Abbot. The latter taking the prize for the highest break of the tournament, a superb 122. Prior to the tournament start congratulations were bestowed on two Plymouth referees; International Referee Nick Harry who, for the first time was invited to referee in front of the cameras at the recent Coral English Open Professional Snooker tournament and to Grade 1 Billiards referee Chris Coumbe, who was invited to referee the 2016 LITEtask World Billiards Championship final. At 22 years and 7 months WEBSF Ambassador, Coumbe is the youngest person to have refereed a World Billiards or Snooker final and possibly the youngest person to referee a senior world final in any sport.
WEBSF Tournament Director Darren Hall said, “It’s good to see referees Nick and Chris’ achievements acknowledge by the players here today, without the tireless work and dedication of community volunteers our sport at grassroots would struggle to survive. Regarding the days play we have an interesting start after the first event of the tour with many of the top favourites falling short of the mark on this occasion, no doubt they will be keen to make amends when we go to Jesters, Swindon for event two next month.” Any player interested in entering WEBSF events or potential volunteers willing to get involved with the work of the WEBSF they should contact Steve Canniford, Mobile 07891940995 or visit http://www.websfsnooker.com or WEBSF Facebook. Thanks to Referee, Nick Harry who refereed tirelessly throughout the day and The Galaxy Centre, Torquay who sponsored this event.
Report by Steve Canniford
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 1 Results 2016-17
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 2
(Jester’s, Swindon)
Manning back to winning ways
Report
19th November 2016
Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon has been a place where top quality snooker has been played for many years and last weekend was no exception. Eddie Manning from Cornwall, a former professional from some years back, led the way in winning event two of the West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Gold Waistcoat tour and now leads the tour ranking table ahead of Any Neck (Devon) and Darran Lock (Cornwall). In the final Manning beat Stuart Watson (Worcestershire) in a closely contested final to take the prize pot. Manning’s route to the final started in the group stages where he made an excellent break of 132 on his way to finishing top of the group. Watson finished second in the same group posting several breaks over 50, the best being a 95. In the knock-out stage Manning made light work of event two runner-up Lock and former overall champion Neck, manning making breaks of 52,62 & 67. Watson beat Harvey Chandler (Northamptonshire) but was made to dig deep against Andy Symons from Devon after Symons powered in the best break of the day, a superb 137. Earlier in the competition Symons looked in good fettle posting breaks of 116,80,76 & 66 as did Chandler who made breaks of 106,100,94,75,73 & 51. The other qualifiers, Seb Worral (Wiltshire) and Billy Castle (Hampshire), where in superb break building form posting breaks of 125,105,77,75,54 & 52 and 82,77,76,70,63 & 61 respectively. Other significant break makers of note where James Lee (Devon) 83 & 95; Phil Lane (Cornwall) 70,68,63 & 60; Jay Bullen (Devon) 97 & 90 and Bobby Southworth (Cornwall) 82,77 & 70.
Spokesman for the WEBSF said, “This venue has seen many great days of snooker over the years and today the players have produced yet another break-fest. Fifty breaks over fifty, plus seven centuries. The best break came from big hitter Andy Symons, a fantastic 137, it’s been a real spectacle. Eddie Manning was just pipped to the post for the overall title last season but with his consistency and the form he has shown today he has to be a main contender.” Any player interested in entering WEBSF events or potential volunteers willing to get involved with the work of the WEBSF they should contact Steve Canniford, Mobile 07891940995 or visit http://www.websfsnooker.com or WEBSF Facebook. Thanks to Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon who sponsored this event.
Report by Steve Canniford
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 2 Results 2016-17
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 3
(Top Q Snooker Club, Gloucester)
Pinhey is Top Q in Gloucester
Report
21st January 2017
Haydon Pinhey from Plymouth ended a short period of indifferent form with a fine display of break building on his way to winning the latest event in the West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Gold Waistcoat snooker tour, at the Top Q Snooker Club, Gloucester. In the final Pinhey beat Mark Turner from Bridgewater, helped with a frame and match winning 85 break. This win takes Pinhey into second place in the rankings, just 10 points behind leader Eddie Manning from Newquay and saw Turner up 12 places into 1oth place. The biggest rise in the rankings came from Ben Pike (Honiton) dramatically turn around his fortunes, after winning just a single frame in event 2, Pike reached the last 16 in this event to move up 14 places into 23rd place. Pinhey’s route to the final saw him come second in the group stages to Pike, he then edged out Dale Branton (Plymouth) in the last 16 followed by a convincing win against Ben Fortey, Hereford in the quarters and a clear win over Andy Symons (Tavistock) in the semi-final. Turner, who is fairly new to WEBSF tournaments, qualified in second place in his group, beat Wes Peters, Torquay in the last 16, Martin Pitcher, Plymouth in the quarters and just pipped Lee from Torquay in the semi-final. There were five centuries posted on the day; Lee 102, Mitch Grinsted (Plymouth) 104, Andy Symons 109 and Pinhey with two clearances, a 100 and a superb 128 to take the high break prize.
Spokesman for the WEBSF said, “Eddie Manning is holding top spot in the overall rankings at the half-way mark, as good a player that he has proved to be, there are several others just off the pace ready to take his place should he falter. For me the notable performances of the day were; Haydon Pinheys 128 clearance, Mark Turner’s solid run to the final and Ben Pike’s turn-around, after only winning one frame in his maiden Gold event earlier in the season, he qualified for the knock out stage at his second attempt.” Any player interested in entering WEBSF events or potential volunteers willing to get involved with the work of the WEBSF they should contact Steve Canniford, Mobile 07891940995 or visit http://www.websfsnooker.com or WEBSF Facebook. Thanks to top international Referee Nick Harry and Top Q Snooker Club, Gloucester who sponsored this event.
Report by Steve Canniford
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 3 Results 2016-17
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 4
(147 Snooker Club, Swindon)
Chandler Clears to Win
Report
18th February 2017
Harvey Chandler from Northamptonshire was 61-1 points down against Devonian Andy Symons with the match promising to go to a deciding frame. However, Chandler was gifted a life-line when Symons missed a difficult frame-ball. Chandler came to the table totally focused on seizing the moment and did so with clinical effect. With every ball potted the pressure increased as he cleared the table a with an excellent 67 clearance break to take the frame, match and win event 4 of the West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Gold Waistcoat Snooker Tour. The pressure that Chandler had been under became evident. As the final black disappeared into the corner pocket he expressed his relief and sense of achievement with clenched fist and elation. He then turned to his opponent and they shook hands in mutual respect. Both players were deserving of their place in the final after a long day of quality snooker at the 147 Snooker Club, Swindon.
To reach the final Chandler went through the field undefeated, beating eight players which included two formed tour champions. He was also the most prolific break builder on the day posting breaks of 84,82,67,63,61,61,55,54,52,52. Symons was no slouch either, wining all but one of his group matches and making the best break of the day, a superb 127 clearance. The main qualifiers where, losing semi-finalist; Haydon Pinhey (Devon) and Eddie Manning (Cornwall). Losing quarter finalists; Andy Neck (Devon), Alex O’Donoghue and Seb Worral both from Wiltshire and Tom Kevern (Devon). Making his debut in this prestigious senior amateur tour was Aidan Murphy from Bristol. At just twelve years old he is the youngest player to enter and to qualify from the group stages in the eleven years the tour has been running.
The overall ranking table which determines the overall tour champion, at the end of each season, sees Manning hold on to the top spot with Pinhey just 4 points behind in second place. These are followed by a host of top players that are all within striking distance with two more events to play.
Spokesman for the WEBSF said, “With so many good players playing on the tour it is always difficult to pick a winner at the start of each event and today was no exception. Andy Symons looked in ominous form when he posted a fantastic 127 clearance early on and Harvey Chandler’s prolific tally of breaks was evidence that he was in good form, so it came as no surprise to see them both contesting the final. How good is it to see young talent having a go at some of the best amateur players in the region….and managing to qualify out of the group stages, Aidan Murphy is certainly one to watch for the future.” Thanks to the 147 Snooker Club, Swindon for hosting and sponsoring this event. Any player interested in entering WEBSF events or potential volunteers willing to get involved with the work of the WEBSF they should contact Steve Canniford, Mobile 07891940995 or visit http://www.websfsnooker.com or WEBSF Facebook.
Report by Steve Canniford
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 4 Results 2016-17
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 5
(Top Q Snooker Club, Gloucester)
Symons Avenges Defeat
22nd April 2017
For the second month in succession Andy Symons from Tavistock met Harvey Chandler from Northamptonshire in the final of a West of England Gold Waistcoat Snooker Tour event. The previous encounter in event four saw Chandler clear the table to steal the match in the decider. In event five it looked like Chandler was on track for a repeat performance as he, once again, proceeded to clear the table in the deciding frame. However, after running slightly out of position on the brown he a missed testing pot leaving Symons the opportunity to clear and avenge defeat, which he duly did to take the winner’s trophy and prize-money. On route to the final both players were made to work hard for their results. In the group stages Chandler finished in third place, behind Andy Neck (Newton Abbot) and Michael Rogers (Bath), Neck making breaks of 68,75 & 104. Even though Symons posted breaks of 52,61,95 & 105, he could only achieve third place in his group behind two experienced ex-professionals; Nick Pearce (Cheltenham) who was undefeated in the group, amassing breaks of 50,57,60 and a fluent 122 and Hassan Vaizie, who posted breaks of 50 & 70.
In the semi-finals Symons (76 break) beat reigning tour champion Haydon Pinhey (Plymouth) (64 break) in a decider whilst Chandler brushed aside former event winner Rogers, aided by a 67 break. Other wins worthy of note in the last 16 and quarter finals where; Pinhey over Vaizie (3-2), in this match Pinhey made the highest break of the day to take the break prize, a superb 130 clearance; Pearce, having already made a century in the group stage, made another against Dale Branton (Plymouth) in the last 16 reeling of three frames with breaks of 58,78 & 110. Pearce up until this point look every bit a champion, However, having only recently returned to competitive tournament play, he ran out of steam in the next match against Chandler, losing in the deciding frame.
With just one event left to play next month in The Galaxy Centre, Torquay the overall ranking table looks close, Eddie Manning heads the table on 195, followed by Andy Symons 187, Haydon Pinhey on 179, Andy Neck on 176, and Harvey Chandler 152.
Spokesman for the WEBSF said, “Once again we have seen an array of quality play that has produced five centuries on the day, along with several other frame winning breaks. Haydon Pinhey’s 130 superb clearance hardly raised an eyebrow, such is the expectations of the players. The return of ex-professional Nick Pearce to tournament play is great to see, once he has re-kindled some matchplay stamina he will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with. His break building prowess has been a spectacle here today. With everything hanging on the last event next month, it should prove an interesting dash to the finishing tape.” Thanks to Top Q, Gloucester for hosting and sponsoring this event and to international roving Referee Nick Harry (Plymouth) for his tireless contribution to fair play. Any player interested in entering WEBSF events or potential volunteers willing to get involved with the work of the WEBSF they should contact Steve Canniford, Mobile 07891940995 or visit http://www.websfsnooker.com or WEBSF Facebook.
Report by Steve Canniford
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 5 Results 2016-17
Gold Waistcoat Tour – Event 6
(The Galaxy Centre, Torquay)
Rogers Wins the Day Manning takes the Crown
13th May 2017
In the final West of England Gold Waistcoat Snooker Tour event of the season, Michael Rogers from Bath scraped through the round robin stage and was pushed into deciding frames in the last sixteen, quarter and semi-finals. However, in the final he produced a superb 82 break and survived a valiant fight-back from Eddie Manning (Newquay) to win the event. Whereas Rogers path to the final was a close affair, Manning’s route could not have been more different. In the round robin and knock-out stage Manning dropped just two frames and posted a string of frame winning breaks (57,62,65,67,72,77,92,95 & 100), the century taking the highest break prize for the day.
Going into the final event the current tour champion Haydon Pinhey from Plymouth, led the rankings ahead of Manning and Andy Symons (Tavistock). Pinhey ruled himself out of the race for the overall title as he was away competing at Q School, in an effort to win a place in the professional ranks. Rogers did Manning a favour in the last sixteen when he pipped Symons to leave the door open for Manning to take the coveted title of West of England Gold Waistcoat Snooker Tour Champion 2017. Other players that made significant contribution during the day were; relative new-comer to the tour Andy Smith from Worcestershire, a group winner and semi-finalist, posting breaks of 50,58,61,72 & 98; Andy Neck (Newton Abbot), group winner and quarter finalist making breaks of 61,61 & 65; Dale Branton (Plymouth), group winner, quarter finalist and Steve Brookshaw (Plymouth) semi-finalist.
The top sixteen players in the tour rankings that are now invited to compete in the Gold Waistcoat Masters are:-
Eddie Manning, Andy Symons, Andy Neck, Haydon Pinhey, James Lee, Darran Lock, Tom Kevern, Dale Branton, Steve Brookshaw, Harvey Chandler, Wes Peters, Mitchell Grinsted, Ben Rickard, Luke Stilwell, Steve Downing, Martin Pitcher.
Spokesman for the WEBSF said, “A fitting final to end this seasons Gold Waistcoat Snooker Tour. Eddie Manning is a prolific break builder and match player and is deserving of the overall title. His contribution over the past few of seasons has help lift the overall strength and depth of play overall. The WEBSF Management Team have already starting to plan an even better round of tournaments for next season.” Thanks to The Galaxy, Torquay for hosting and sponsoring this event and to international roving Referee Nick Harry (Plymouth) for his tireless contribution to fair play. Any player interested in entering WEBSF events or potential volunteers willing to get involved with the work of the WEBSF they should contact Steve Canniford, Mobile 07891940995 or visit http://www.websfsnooker.com or WEBSF Facebook.
Report by Steve Canniford
WEBSF 