Lancastle first to book Premier Tour spot
BRISTOL ace Thomas Lancastle has the world at his feet after winning promotion to the country’s elite under-21 circuit.
The 17-year-old (pictured left) is the first player from the three regions to book his spot on next season’s EASB Premier Junior Tour.
And that means he joins the nation’s top-48 young players bidding for places in the IBSF World Under-21 Championship, the European Under-21 Championship and the England Under-19 team for the Home Internationals.
Lancastle will definitely finish top of the EASB Regional Junior Tour South, one of three feeder circuits, regardless of the results in the final two legs, after clinching a third tournament win of the season in event six at Cambridge Snooker Centre.
“I enjoyed the day and was happy with the result,” said the 2012/13 Cuestars South of England Under-21 Gold Tour rankings winner.
“For some reason, when playing in the club at Cambridge, I feel relaxed and confident.
“Of the 19 frames I played, I lost two. So I’m pleased with that.”
Lancastle, who is based at Eastville Snooker Club, defeated leg-five winner Sonnie O’Sullivan (Aylesbury) 2-0 in the final.
But he said he particularly enjoyed his 2-0 last-four victory over Daniel Knox (Ascot).
Prior to the trip east, the teenager had been honing his skills with his coach.
“I spent some time with Lee Walker, who picked up on a few issues with my game and attempted to rectify them,” explained Lancastle.
“Obviously, he is doing something right.”
And he thanked the referees and staff at Cambridge for an enjoyable day.
As only the best six results from the eight count, Lancastle’s wins in the third leg in Cambridge and the fourth leg in Brighton coupled with two losing semi-finals and a runners-up spot means he can’t be overtaken.
Second-placed Mark Lloyd (Gosport) went out 2-0 to O’Sullivan in the last-four.
Full results and rankings at www.easb.co.uk/current-season/
The penultimate leg is at Fareham Snooker Club on Sunday, April 20.
Picture courtesy of Bob Lancastle