TROPHY TIME: (l-r) Martin Dyche from sponsors LITEtask, Barry Russell, Dan Lewis (tournament controller), Chris Coumbe

SALTASH’S Barry Russell picked up his first trophy on the World Billiards circuit by winning the Challenge Cup at the recent LITEtask British Open.

It was only the second World Billiards event he has played in, having joined the circuit this year after returning to the game following a 10-year absence.

Russell was one of four West Country representatives who travelled to the Q Gardens Snooker Club for the last ranking event of the year.

He was joined by Plymouth’s Chris Coumbe, who narrowly missed out on qualification in the group stages of the main event, but the following day met Russell in the plate competition final. Russell won 253-229 to claim the title.

Fellow Plymothian Steve Brookshaw was undefeated in the group stages in the main event and went on to defeat Ryan Mears (Aldershot) in the last 16 before losing out to Robert Marshall in the quarter-finals.

Marshall had earlier ended the hopes of Liskeard’s Chris Mitchell in the last 24 knockout round, although that match could have gone either way, with just 44 points separating the two players at the end of the hour’s play.

Brookshaw compiled a superb break of 158 during the group stages which is his highest of the season. Keyham Cons team-mate Coumbe also reached three figures with a run of 104.

TOP SCORE: Steve Brookshaw compiled a superb 158 break