ALFONSO Bellusci was crowned CIU Manchester Branch champion for the third time after a display of near faultless snooker.

Bellusci, playing for Hollins Lib in Darwen, beat Wigan’s Andy Peddington 3-0 in the final at St Paul’s WMC.

Snooker players from across the region descended on the Blackburn venue to battle it out for the CIU crown. But there was no stopping Bellusci who was on top form throughout the day - starting with beating reigning champion Frank Jex Jnr in the opening round.

“Alfonso was just superb,” said Frank Jex Senior, president of the Federation. “He just got better as the day went on and nobody could touch him. He certainly saved his best for the final.”

Bellusci swept to a 2-0 lead thanks to brilliant breaks of 95 and 64 before wrapping up victory.

In the semi finals, Bellusci beat Andy Lancaster of Furthergate 2-0 while Penning beat Steve Cotham of St Paul’s 2-1.

Jex Snr added: “I would just like to thank St Paul’s for hosting the event, it capped of a wonderful day.”