Lloyd set for China trip

ENGLAND’S under-18 snooker champion Mark Lloyd faces a 10,000 mile round-trip to China in July.

The 17-year-old from Gosport, who recently claimed two local titles, appears in two national finals at the end of next week before a tilt at a world amateur title early next month.

Lloyd has accepted the invitation to the IBSF World Under-18 Championship in Beijing but is seeking financial backing.

“I would be very appreciative if anyone would be willing to sponsor me for these events,” he said.

The teenager picked up two trophies for winning competitions run by the Gosport & Fareham Snooker League. He beat former champion James Budd in the final of the under-30’s Secretary’s Shield at Stubbington SC and edged ex-professional Danny Auld 5-4 from 4-1 down to claim the scratch singles title at Stoke SC.

Lloyd will be busy during the weekend of June 24-25 when he appears in both the England Under-18 and Under-21 Championship finals at the South West Snooker Academy, Gloucester,

The Cuestars Gold Tour rankings winner said: “I’m hoping to get as many supporters there as possible due to being closer to home.

“I think it’d be nice to experience a final as a team as some of the people have stood by me since day one – both friends and family.

“I’d just like to thank everyone for their support as I’m very appreciative of what the closest people do for me.”

Picture by Tim Dunkley: Mark Lloyd (left) with professional Mark Davis at the Cuestars end-of-season presentation.

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Tim Dunkley (World Snooker coach)