Hunter retains Masters title

JOHN Hunter has retained the Cuestars Masters (55+) Tour title in emphatic style.

The 56-year-old from Andover clocked up a sixth successive victory on the midweek circuit at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club.

Hunter defeated Masters debutant Andy Norman (Brighton) 2-0 in the final to collect the £50 cash prize.

Two Southampton players are vying for the runner-up spot. Second-placed Neil Carroll is eight points in front of Steve Allen.

Hunter cannot be overtaken with one Seniors Tour event to play. Points won on the Seniors Tour by players aged 55 or over count towards the Masters rankings.

There was disappointment for Bob Toulouse (Camberley) who was forced to withdraw. He opened his case at the venue and discovered he’d left his cue in a pub the previous night.

BREAKS

John Hunter: 57, 53, 51.

RESULTS

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP A: 1st, John Hunter (Salisbury SC); 2nd, Andy Norman (Castle SC, Brighton); 3rd, Trevor Thorn (Basingstoke Cons); 4th, Paul Burt (Salisbury SC).

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP B: 1st, Steve Allen (Totton Rec); 2nd, Neil Carroll (Chandlers Ford SC); 3rd, Stephen Hills (Northfleet Traders Club, Gravesend); 4th, Adrian Walsh (Fareham SC); 5th, Malcolm Slark (Salisbury SC); 6th, Mike Bennison (Salisbury SC).

SEMI-FINALS (£10, 15 pts): Hunter 2-0 Carroll, Norman 2-0 Allen.

FINAL (£50/£30, 25/18 pts): Hunter 2-0 Norman.

Picture: John Hunter (left) and Andy Norman.