Marcos Dayao worthy champion

MARCOS Dayao said he was “thrilled” to win the Cuestars Championship Tour after his disappointment at the end of last season.

The 22-year-old from Battersea Park clinched the title in the seventh and final leg at Greenbaize Snooker Club, Bournemouth.

Dayao finished runner-up on the Cuestars Under-21 Gold Tour in his last season on the junior circuit when professional Jamie Wilson (Havant) overtook him by reaching the final of the closing event in Swindon.

Determined to bounce back, he competed in all eight tournaments this season and reached three finals.

He said: “I’ve been very consistent with my game, especially my break building.

“Even though I haven’t won a single Cuestars event this season, as there are talented players in the field, I had to dig deep and get wins under my belt.

“I’m pleased and hopefully there’s more to come next season.”

Fareham-based Dharminder Singh Lilly pocketed the £125 first prize after beating Dayao 3-0 in the final.

Connor Benzey (Eastleigh) and Mickey Joyce (Basingstoke), who were both at Q School, finished second and third respectively in the final rankings. Jack Dady (Basingstoke) was fourth and Lilly moved up to fifth.