13yr old Dale Branton was crowned Champion of Plymouth after winning his second WEBSF Bronze Waistcoat Tour of the season. Branton defeated his closest rival Daniel Bellamy 2-0 in the final.

The event which was held at the Victoria Snooker Centre, St. Budeaux, was a very close affair with both players needing to win to take the title. It was a bitter blow for Bellamy who had come through his group stages without losing a match, which included a 2-0 defeat of Branton.

Branton’s revenge was sweet and a testament to his composure, knowing that he had already lost to Bellamy and, if he was to lose again would have handed Bellamy the title. Branton did not disappoint and drew on his experience to pass the winning line.

In the semi-final stages Branton outplayed Jacob Stokes 2-0 with the help of a 25 break. The other semi-final saw Bellamy have a hard task taking on last months’ winner Paul Johnson, Johnson put up a brave fight but eventually succumbed to the pressure, Bellamy running out a 2-1 winner.

Group Stages

Group 1 was won by the up and coming Jacob Stokes. He finished his group undefeated dropping only one frame to the dynamic potter, Dylan Chilcott. Chilcott suffering with a cold, struggled to produce the standard of snooker which he is capable of. Group runner-up Paul Johnson is growing in self belief after winning his first tournament last month. Daniel Keane failed to qualify this time was struggling to find his form. Keane is a previous tour winner and was one of the favourites to lift the title at the start of the season.

Group 2 was a two horse race with Daniel Bellamy coming out on top without dropping a frame. Dale Branton was the other qualifier. These two were too strong on the day for Ashley Negus and Alex Thompson. Negus and Thompson couldn’t quite match their opponents but are improving with experience and will have their day for sure.

Steve Brookshaw, Tournament Director, said "Branton showed composure and courage in winning this tournament today. He has gained a lot of experience this season, which included winning the deciding frame for Plymouth in the Devon County Youth Cup final. Branton also finished runner-up in the Devon Under 16 section and has just recently recorded his highest break to date (61). This level of competition is crucial for Branton who regularly practises with his father Wayne Branton, recent winner of the inaugural WEBSF Gold Waistcoat Tour event to make it a family double".

Branton Jnr. will now compete in May for the title of West of England Bronze Champion against the other Bronze Waistcoat winners in the region.

Report by Keith Millard (WEBSF Tournament Director