Double delight for retiring 11-year-old

A TALENTED 11-year-old has announced his retirement from the Eastleigh & District Under-13 League after claiming a record five Premier titles.

Oliver Sykes also became the fourth player – and the second youngest – to do the double in the same season at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club.

The left-hander won the Under-19 Premier by 13 points from defending champion Connor Benzey.

Sykes’ World Snooker coach and league organiser Tim Dunkley said: “What Oliver has achieved is fantastic.

“He could have continued and probably won three more under-13 titles. But now he can have a lie in on Saturday mornings and focus on retaining the under-19 title.

“To win the older age group by that margin against the strength of players we have is quite remarkable. Ten of the lads who competed this season have high breaks in competition of at least 50.”

Steven Hughes won the top group in the final week to secure third place in the Under-19s. Brett Wallace won Division 1.

In the Under-13s, Sykes, whose highest break is 94, knocked in a 55 in his final session and ended the season 20 points clear of Riley Ellis.

Eight-year-old O’Shay Scott was third, ahead of Lewis Aisthorpe-Buckley. Lennon Savage, seven, won Division 1 by two points from William Thomson, five.

The three previous players to complete the double were Olly Clark (Gosport) at the age of 13, Mickey Joyce (Basingstoke) aged ten and Luke Beebe (Eastleigh) aged 13.

Under-13 sessions are held at Chandlers Ford SC from 9-11am every Saturday followed by the under-19s from 11am-1pm. Both leagues start on Saturday.

LEAGUE 54 WEEK 20 GROUP WINNERS

U13: Oliver Sykes.
Breaks: Oliver Sykes 55.

U19: Steven Hughes, Brett Wallace.
Breaks: Olly Gibbs 68, Steven Hughes 45 & 43, Ryan Hughes 39, Abhay Chopra 28.

DIVISIONAL WINNERS

U13: Oliver Sykes (Prem), Lennon Savage (Div 1).

U19: Oliver Sykes (Prem), Brett Wallace (Div 1).

Picture by Tim Dunkley

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Tim Dunkley (World Snooker coach)