Hunter crowned Masters champion for sixth time

JOHN Hunter has won two tournaments in four days on the over-55’s snooker circuit.

The 59-year-old from Andover followed up his victory on the World Super Seniors in Reading with a fifth success of the season on the Cuestars Masters Tour.

Hunter secured his sixth successive Masters title with two legs to spare after beating Mark Burrell 2-1 in a high-quality final of the sixth leg at Salisbury Snooker Club.

Swindon-based Burrell forced the decider with a 57 break.

Two Super Seniors players from Chelmsford – Chris and Brian Sharpe – made their debuts on the midweek circuit which is sponsored by Dennis Tristram. Chris used to be a high-flyer on the World Ladies Billiards and Snooker Association.

Hunter, who also leads the World Super Seniors rankings, said: “Brian gave me a very tough game (in the last-eight), taking out a great clearance to force a decider.”

The returning Phil Butler and David Moritz, who is second in the rankings, made the semi-finals.

Organisers thanked David Brock for sponsoring the event and Salisbury SC for hosting it.

Prize money: winner John Hunter £70, runner-up Mark Burrell £40. semi-finalists David Moritz & Phil Butler £20 each.

Chandlers Ford Snooker Club hosts the seventh leg of eight on Wednesday, March 4.

Results at https://snookerscores.net/tournament-manager/cuestars-masters-tour-event-6.

Picture: John Hunter (left) and Mark Burrell.