England call-up for Lloyd

FROM Cuestars Under-12 champion to England call-up. A teenager who made his Cuestars debut nearly eight years ago has been selected to represent his country.

Mark Lloyd, who is based at Stoke Snooker Club, Gosport, said he was “buzzing” after receiving the letter (pictured) that all young snooker players dream of.

The 15-year-old has been selected for the national under-16 side for the Home Internationals in Leeds next month.

“Having an England spot feels special,” he said. “Let’s just hope that I can get the frames for the country.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their support for getting me this far. It means so much to have people supporting you. I just hope that I can perform when it’s needed.”

Lloyd entered his first Cuestars event in November, 2007, and lifted the Under-12 title the following season.

He won the Silver Tour rankings title in 2012/13 and was joint Gold Tour rankings winner last season.

But it was his performances on the national stage this season that earned him a three-lions waistcoat.

He finished a creditable 18th on his first season on the EASB Premier Junior but surpassed everything that had gone before by winning the English Under-16 Championship.

Report by Tim Dunkley.