£200 bonus for 14-year-old

CLASSY left-hander Dan Sykes has pocketed £200 after a remarkable transformation in his game over the past six months.

The 14th Open Series champion at Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club increased his high break from 25 to 54 during the 26-week competition.

And that means that after just a handful of Cuestars South of England Under-21 Bronze Tour events, Sykes will be competing on the Silver Tour which kicks off in Salisbury on October 5.

Known for wearing his heart on his sleeve (but perhaps slightly less openly now), the 14-year-old insists his matchplay has improved by playing older players.

“Most of them (in the Open Series) are better and more experienced and more competitive,” he explained. “I just enjoy it. I look forward to it.”

Sykes, who attends The Toynbee School, hopes to be knocking in “70s and 80s” in six months’ time.

Former champion Austen Petty (Boyatt Wood) finished runner-up. Danny Gallant, the 2008 Southampton Town Champion, posted the series high break of 90.

A new £850 26-week handicap series, open to all ages and abilities, kicked off last Saturday.

Top eight & prize money: £200 Dan Sykes (Chandler’s Ford) 20 h/cap; £160 Austen Petty (Boyatt Wood) 5; £125 John Thomas (Southampton) -5; £85 Gary Tomkins (Totton) 10; £55 Olly Clark (Gosport) 5; £35 David Stewart (Odiham) 0; £25 Paul Allen (Hedge End) 10; £20 Danny Gallant (Chandler’s Ford) -30.

Picture by Tim Dunkley