Chappell joins elite top-40
A DORSET teenager has broken into England’s elite top-40 ranked young snooker stars.
Bradley Chappell (left) will next season compete against the country’s best under-19 players on the English Premier Junior Tour.
The 17-year-old from Poole qualified by winning the southern section of the Regional Junior Tour, one of three feeder circuits run by the English Association of Snooker & Billiards.
Reflecting on his “amazing” second season on the tour, Chappell said: “It feels great to know out of all the people I had to play, I was the best.
“I made some great friends as well, which is a bonus. I always like to be the lad people like – rather than the arrogant one.
“I’m looking forward to playing on the Premier Tour next year alongside some of the best players around.”
Chappell, who is based at Greenbaize Snooker Club, Bournemouth, won two finals – both from 1-0 down – on the five-leg tour and never failed to progress from the round-robin group stages.
“Throughout the season, I feel I played very well,” he added.
“I’m looking to turn pro at some stage in the next couple of years. That is my dream, like every other player. I really feel I can make this happen.”
Premier Tour events are played over two days as far afield as Leeds as opposed to the feeder circuit, which this season took in Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, Plymouth, Brighton, Swindon and Woking.
England places are up for grabs and the chance of earning a spot in the European Under-21 Championship, the winner of which is usually nominated to turn professional.
However, entries fees, travelling and overnight hotel stays soon gobble up parents’ hard-earned money.
But Chappell – who also finished ninth on the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Gold Tour, despite competing in just three of the six legs – is reluctant to start a college plumbing course in September.
“I don’t want to do that,” he explained. “I just want to play snooker.
“I don’t want a job because I won’t be able to practise. It’s crucial I find sponsorship soon.”
Chappell, who has been working with coach Roy Chisholm for the past two months, thanked Newtown Conservative Club, in Poole, for his free practice time, and dad Colin, mum Wendy, girlfriend Becca and practice partner Mark Wells for their support.
“I hope people will see me at the Crucible soon!” he declared.