Hunter completes Masters Tour double

JOHN Hunter had his scoring boots on as he completed the double on the Cuestars Masters Tour.

The 60-year-old rankings winner from Andover added the inaugural Championship title to his personal honours board.

Hunter put together eight breaks of more than 40, including the day’s highest of 79, and didn’t drop a single frame out of 12 in the end-of-season event at The Crucible Sports & Social Club, Newbury.

And he defeated Salisbury Snooker Club-mate Steve Ashton 2-0 in the final to pocket the £150 prize.

“Steve was playing some great match snooker,” said Hunter. “But I had my scoring boots on.”

Last month, Hunter wrapped up the rankings title with a sixth tournament win of the season on the midweek circuit for players aged 55 and over which is sponsored by Dennis Tristram.

Semi-finalist Andy Darken told Hunter: “It was a well-deserved win for you as most consistent and top performer over the season.

“Well done for all your hard work and effort for organising another great Cuestars season. The tournaments are always played in a good and friendly competitive spirit and is testament to you and your team.”

Hunter added: “This tour is a great to be part of. The players are so supportive of Cuestars.”

Organisers thanked Julie and the Newbury team for making them feel welcome.

Prize money: winner John Hunter £150; runner-up Steve Ashton £75; semi-finalists David Moritz & Andy Darken £30 each; quarter-finalists Neil Carroll, Dennis Tristram, John Rees & Ray Grall £10 each

Results are on snookerscores.net: https://snookerscores.net/tournament-manager/cuestars-masters-55-and-over-championship

Picture: Steve Ashton (left) and John Hunter