Lloyd books Leeds spot without dropping a frame

GOLD Tour rankings leader Mark Lloyd did not drop a frame in the southern qualifier for the English Under-16 Championship at Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon.

Lloyd booked a last-16 place in Leeds in April at his first attempt at a national title.

The 14-year-old based at and sponsored by Stoke Snooker Club, Gosport, accounted for Olly Clark (Gosport), Jonny Mutch (Cambridge), Finton McCann (Bedford) and Canberk Benning (Swindon) all with 3-0 scorelines.

“I enjoyed the matches,” said Lloyd. “They all played well.”

However, fellow Cuestars members Canberk Benning, Dan Sykes and Clark must wait until next year for a crack at the final stages.

Clark vowed to return next season and claim the title after missing out because Michael Loveridge-Greene had a 0.5 higher frame average.

“I was absolutely gutted at being so close,” said the 14-year-old. “But I’m going to put the work in to have a good season and then go and win it next year.

“It was a tough way to go out. I thought I was through. I needed Dan Sykes to beat Michael but he lost 3-1.