Billy’s off to Poland

ENGLAND international Billy Castle said these are “exciting times” after being picked for the European Championship in Poland next February.

The 23-year-old from Marchwood, now living in Reading, qualified for the prestigious event, which carries a two-year pro-tour card for the winner, by reaching the English Amateur Championship final last season.

Castle rose through the Cuestars junior ranks and won the Championship Tour play-off in 2012/13

Meanwhile, the former Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club junior collected £125 towards his travelling expenses at a tournament at the South West Snooker Academy, Gloucester.

Castle compiled the day’s highest break of 134 against Halim Hussain (Birmingham) and lost 2-0 in the final to ex-professional Andrew Norman.

Report and picture by Tim Dunkley.