Laxton claims Waterlooville title

A 12-YEAR-OLD sports all-rounder from Portsmouth has made a winning return to snooker after a two-year break – thanks to The News.

Samuel Laxton only lost three of his 60 frames over the 20 weeks to clinch the Division 1 title in the Waterlooville Sports Bar Junior Snooker League

“It’s been really challenging but I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said.

Laxton – who also excels at football, badminton, golf and table tennis – returned to the green baize last year and joined the league after reading a newspaper report.

“I saw the advert in the paper about this so I decided to come along,” he explained.

“I think I’m going to concentrate on my snooker now.”

League organiser and World Snooker coach Tim Dunkley said: “Samuel has dominated this second season. It has been a remarkable run.

“Full credit to him. But now it’s up to the others to step up to the mark.”

Laxton, whose highest break is 35, reached the semi-finals on his debut on the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Bronze Tour on home tables last Sunday.

Dean Russell was runner-up for the second season running.

Owen Jenkins secured second place in Division 2 behind Billy Reid.

Dunkley runs sessions for under-19s from 4.30-6.30pm every Wednesday. The third season starts next Wednesday.

Picture by Tim Dunkley

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Tim Dunkley (World Snooker coach)