Cambridge is no Turkey shoot for rankings leader Budd

TWO days after returning from holiday in Turkey, Fareham teenager James Budd was on his travels again.

And the 18-year-old (pictured) was rewarded for making the trip to Cambridge by taking the lead in the EASB Regional Junior Tour South rankings by the narrowest possible margin.

It’s now one apiece for Budd and title-rival Ronnie Blake, who have met in both finals this season.

Budd prevailed 2-0 in the first leg in September but lost 2-1 to the Londoner at Cambridge Snooker Centre. However, one extra ranking point is awarded for any frame won in a knockout defeat.

“I didn’t play great in the final,” said the Cuestars Gold Tour player. “But I was pleased to get that far as I haven’t practised much recently.”

Elsewhere in Bilston, Wolverhampton, Thomas Lancastle was reported to be “overjoyed” after reaching the knockout stage for the first time on the EASB Premier Junior Tour in only his second event.

He eventually lost 4-0 in the quarter-finals to Luke Garland (Birmingham) and collected £40 prize money.

Mark Lloyd went out in the last-32 and Sonnie O’Sullivan and Jordan Winbourne were knocked out in the group stages.

Report and picture by Tim Dunkley.