Alex Belt holds the trophy for second time

Alex Belt showed a clean pair of heels as he won the Manchester Open for the second time at Hopwood Cottage.

His only blemish was a double bogey at the 16th during the final round but he’d already established had a comfortable lead which left the chasing pack trailing in his wake.

Belt, from Snainton Golf Centre in Scarborough, also claimed the title four years ago. But on this occasion he’d only just returned from competing in PGA China for more than three months.

“I was intending to stay out there but came back home for a bit of peace and quiet while I re-assess my situation,” he said.

“I’m playing in as many events as I can then decide what to do in the winter.”

Belt admitted that he wanted to go as low as possible at Manchester. After nine holes in the first round he was five-under and posted a 66 and was on course to match it until be leaked two strokes at the 16th in round two.

“My tactics were sound and I didn’t get greedy,” he added.

Gathurst’s Tom Metcalfe finished runner-up four shots off the pace.

LEADING SCORES: 135 Alex Belt (Snainton Golf Centre) 66,69; 139 Tom Metcalfe (Gathurst) 69, 70; 140 Alistair Waddell (Chorlton-cum-Hardy) 71, 69, Oliver Smith (Ashton-on-Mersey) 69,71, Robert Booth (Outlane) 68,72; 141 Jonathan Cheetham (www.1836tour) 72,69, Craig Corrigan (Chilli Dip Golf Academy) 69 72, Graham Cox (Lymm) 69,72.