Did you put a lot of pressure on the shaft with the tail stock? I’ve never broken one but when I accidentally put too much pressure I get chatter/push off near the middle.
Something that is almost always overlooked is to practice the same way you’d play in a tournament. Don’t relax, stay focused and take your time on easy shots!
I would play it with high right and stick myself behind the 3. After that it’s an easy 2 rail kick to pocket the 8. After looking more I may have to stun it a little to get behind the 3 but I’d get there one way or another.
The segmented handle is a RAT break cue, the other 2 I made. First is ziricote and bocote, next is curly purple heart and cored curly maple and the RAT is purple heart and curly maple.