Benzey and Sykes claim Eastleigh & District titles

TWO Cuestars Gold Tour players are the 53rd champions of the Eastleigh & District Junior Leagues at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club.

Connor Benzey (pictured, right) claimed his second Under-19 title while Oliver Sykes (left) clinched a record-equalling fourth Under-13 crown.

The day before the final week’s action, Benzey cleared the table for a 103 break, his second century, in a practice match against Bradley Cowdroy (Bournemouth).

The 15-year-old finished the 20-week season ten points clear of Charlie Pringle, who snatched second place from Steven Hughes by winning the top group on the last day.

Brett Wallace (Gosport) won Division 1 and Riccardo Drayton, 11, who compiled his highest competitive break of 23 in the final round of matches, took the honours in Division 2.

Meanwhile, Sykes matched Luke Beebe’s number of Under-13 titles but earns a place in the records book for winning four in a row.

The 11-year-old, whose highest break in tournament play is 84, cruised to victory by a 26-point margin from eight-year-old O’Shay Scott. Cuestars Bronze Tour rankings winner Riley Ellis (Wootton Bassett) was third.

Drayton won Division 1 from William Haskell.

New junior sessions start on Saturday, April 22. Under-13s compete from 9-11am and under-19s from 11am-1pm. All sessions are run by World Snooker coach Tim Dunkley. Complete beginners are welcome. For more information ring the club on 023 8025 4834 or email [email protected].

Picture by Tim Dunkley

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Tim Dunkley (World Snooker coach)