Leicester's Joe Jogia was a happy man despite losing in the final of the Pro Challenge event at Willie Thorne's Snooker Club yesterday.

Jogia was beaten 5-3 by Gloucester's Robert Milkins after a high-quality climax to the three-day event, which attracted some of the world's top players to the Charles Street club.

After thumping world No.20 Ricky Walden 5-0 in the semis earlier in the day, the final proved one step too far for Jogia.

Nevertheless, the 33-year-old described his tournament as "absolutely fantastic".

He said: "I played really well all week. The support I've had was superb and I really appreciated it. I'd like to say a big thank you to all those who cheered me on in the final.

"Playing at my home club was a huge advantage, it was almost like being given an extra frame.

"And my knowledge of the tables here certainly helped too. There's nothing but positives to take away from this – I don't look at the negatives."

In the final, Milkins opened up with a break of 137 but Jogia replied with a 56 to level at 1-1.

A 92 put the Gloucester man 2-1 up but Jogia stole the fourth with a run of 55.

Milkins then went 3-2 up but Jogia again battled back with a break of 69.

Another century (118) put Milkins 4-3 ahead, and five misses with three reds left cost Jogia the eighth frame and his hopes of the trophy.

Other Leicester interest saw Ben Woollaston and Tom Ford bow out in the last 32.

Next up for Jogia is a first-round qualifying clash against Simon Bedford in the UK Championship on November 23.

"I will go there full of beans, full of confidence," he said.