15^th March 2009
Sam Baird played consistent snooker all day which concluded in a 2-1 win over Neil Chiswell with an exchange of high breaks in what was an excellent final. Baird won the first frame with a superb 100 break, breaking down on a tricky yellow. Chiswell responded with an excellent frame wining break of 61. In the decider Baird amassed a break of 63 before a miscue ended what looked like being another century break. This takes Baird to the top of the overall rankings edging the young talented Dale Branton into second spot with just one event to go. This was the first time a WEBSF tournament had been held at the Belgrave Club, Plymouth and the players were presented with first class facilities and playing conditions.

In the semi finals Chiswell beat last event winner and current regional champion Greg Batten 2-0 whilst Baird repeated the same score line against Steve Brookshaw. The quarters saw Baird beat Wayne Branton 2-1 and Brookshaw beat tournament host Derek Walker 2-0. Newly crowned WEBSF Silver Waistcoat Champion Mitchell Grinsted played excellent snooker all day before going out to Batten 2-1, Batten recoding a 61 break in the match. In the last quarter final Chiswell beat Grant Cole 2-0.

The group stages produced the best break of the day an excellent contribution of 106 by Grinsted. He also topped group A, wining all his matches and posting other breaks of 55,65,75 & 75 clearance. Brookshaw qualified in second place aided by an 82 break. The best break of the group was a 103 clearance made by Lee Walters, Plymouth. Baird dominated arguably the strongest group B dropping just one frame and posting a string of breaks 89,86,78.75,66,66,65. Grant Cole, helped by breaks of 87 & 61, finished in second place edging out Darren Bond, Tiverton on frame difference, Bond made 2 breaks of 84 and a one of 69. New player to the Gold Waistcoat Andy Neck finished in third place and he was quick to admit that he was ill prepared for the onslaught of potting that he was to face on the day. Neck is a quality player, have no doubt he will return better prepared for the next tournament. Group C saw a three way tie for first place. After frame count-back Walker emerged in first place and Wayne Branton second, edging out Darran Lock despite Lock making breaks of 70,65,62,49 & 43. In group D there was another three way tie with Dale Branton being unfortunate not to qualify by just one frame. Branton made breaks of 75,64,46 & 45. Batten and Chiswell the two to qualify from the group. Going into the final event Baird and Branton Junior look favourites to lift the overall title this season with Chiswell in with an outside chance the outcome is not a formality.

Report by Steve Canniford