Luke lands rare double

IT WAS a two-and-a-half-year journey that saw a complete beginner rise to dominate the Eastleigh & District Junior Leagues.

Four days before his 13th birthday, Luke Beebe (pictured) became only the third player to claim the Under-13 and Under-18 Premier titles in the same season.

Last season’s Cuestars South of England Under-21 Bronze Tour rankings winner, who now bows out of the younger age group, declared: “I’m glad I’ll get to lay in on Saturday mornings now.”

Beebe was introduced to snooker by his dad just before Christmas, 2011, at The Academy, Eastleigh, because the pair were at a “loose end”.

“There wasn’t much else to do,” added the youngster.

He joined the junior section at Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club after the holiday, honed his technique, practised hard and eventually won four under-13 titles.

But he was desperate to claim the double at his last attempt.

Only Gold Tour player Olly Clark (Gosport) and last season’s Silver Tour rankings winner Mickey Joyce (Basingstoke) had completed the feat previously.

Beebe ended the League 46 season 24 points clear of Joyce in the under-13s and 14 points clear of Jamie Wilson (Portsmouth) to win his first under-18 title.

Dad Mark said: “I’m so proud of him.

“It’s fantastic for me, because I love the game anyway, watching the way he’s progressed.

“He’s had some great battles with Mickey and Jamie.”

Beebe’s highest competitive break is 59 and he also competes on the EASB Regional Junior Tour South.

New leagues kick off on Saturday, August 16. Under-13s run from 9-11am and under-18s from 11am-1pm. Ring 023 8025 4834 for more details.

LEAGUE 46 DIVISIONAL WINNERS

U13: Luke Beebe (Premier), Charlie Pringle (Div 1), Oliver Sykes (Div 2), Jake Parker (Div 3), Joshua Stanton (Div 4), Tarrik Wing (Div 5).

U18: Luke Beebe (Premier), Steven Hughes (Div 1), Jack Bryant (Div 2), Harvey Banger (Div 3), Adam Cartwright (Div 4), Oliver Sykes (Div 5).

Report and picture by Tim Dunkley.