DALE Branton, from Plymouth, and Harvey Chandler, from Rushden, fought out a closely contested final at Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon.

The tournament was event four of the West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation (WEBSF) Gold Waistcoat Snooker tour.

Branton took an early lead with some excellent matchplay snooker only for Chandler to match this and draw level, setting up a tense decider.

After a finely balanced frame leading into colours, Chandler had Branton in all sorts of trouble and looked favourite to win.

He skilfully snookered Branton with only pink and black remaining. Branton made his escape at the second attempt and was fortunate to leave the balls reasonably safe.

Chandler replied with another good safety shot only for Branton to pull out an excellent pot on the pink followed by an audacious shot off the top cushion that saw the black double into the bottom yellow pocket to take the frame, match and the lion's share of the prize money.

As a result of getting through to the final both players jump up the rankings; Branton from 14th to fifth and Chandler, having only played it two of the four events, moves up 18 places into 18th.

With just two events remaining to find this season's overall tour champion, Plymouth-based Haydon Pinhey moves into top position, closely followed by Andy Symons.

The top 16 positioned players at the end of the six events will be invited to play in WEBSF Gold Waistcoat Masters for prize money in excess of £1300.

Any player interested in entering WEBSF events should contact Steve Canniford 07891 940995 or visit www.websfsnooker.com or WEBSF Facebook.