SNOOKER players from across the South West descended on Swindon for the West of England Billiards and Snooker Foundation (WEBSF) Gold Waistcoat Masters tournament.

Hosted by Jesters Snooker Hall in Swindon, the event started with the Gold Masters – an invitation only tournament where the top 16 ranked players from the Gold Series competed in a knockout tournament.

There were few shocks in the opening round, with Plymouth’s Haydon Pinhey and Eddie Manning from Newquay earning the highest breaks.

Defending WEBSF Gold Series Champion Andy Neck crashed out in the quarter-finals against Jason Whittaker, while Pinhey defeated fellow Plymothian Steve Brookshaw.

James Lee (Torquay) beat Andy Symons (Tavistock) and Manning beat the current West of England Snooker Open champion Dale Branton, Manning recording breaks of 74 and 89.

In the semi-finals, Lee edged Pinhey out in a deciding frame, while Manning carried on his break building prowess against Whittaker, making 70 and a superb 124.

The final saw the experience of former professional Manning shine through, as he beat Lee to take the title.

The plate was won by last year’s plate runner-up Mitch Wood from Barnstaple after beating Ben Rickard from Truro.