First half-century for Gibbs

DEFENDING champion Olly Gibbs passed a major milestone in any snooker player’s career in week-11 of the Eastleigh & District Under-13 League.

The 12-year-old from Gosport (pictured) compiled his first half-century break, a 52 against Premier front runner Oliver Sykes, ten, at Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club.

Remarkably, Gibbs won his debut tournament on the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Bronze Tour at Salisbury Snooker Club in October, 2013. He also won the third leg in Swindon and finished third in the rankings after a titanic battle with Luke Beebe.

He ended his first season by winning the Bronze Championship play-off on Finals Day in Swindon.

Now based at Chandler’s Ford SC, Gibbs is in his second season on the Silver Tour and currently ranked seventh.

Report and picture by Tim Dunkley.