‘Spikey haired kid’ claims RJT leg victory

BY THE end of the day, the player referred to by many as the “spikey haired kid” had a name.

Although 14 Cuestars members were among the 22-strong field at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club for the first leg of the EASB Regional Junior Tour, most had no idea of the 13-year-old’s identity.

But Mark Lloyd (pictured left) certainly announced his presence during a victorious but long overdue debut on the feeder circuit for the elite Premier Junior Tour.

The Cuestars Gold Tour player came through an “interesting” and “enjoyable” final against old adversary Daniel Knox in the final.

Back in June, Woking potter Knox had seen off Lloyd in the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Silver Tour Championship final in Swindon.

Reflecting on his 2-0 victory, Lloyd, who is based at Stoke Snooker Club in Gosport, said: “It was a tactical game but attacking in places.

“I hope I could get promotion but I’ve got to do it first.”

Earlier, in the semi-finals, Lloyd exacted revenge over Bristol’s Danny Hawkins, who had beaten him in the group stages.

The host club’s Mickey Joyce, aged ten, marked his debut with a shock 2-1 victory from 1-0 down over the 2012/13 Cuestars Gold Tour rankings winner Thomas Lancastle.

It was an inspired performance from the Basingstoke youngster who had been awe-struck when told his opponent from Bristol had earlier fired in an 83, which proved to be the highest break of the day.

Lancastle was knocked out in the last-four by Knox.

Group-stage casualties: Dan Sykes, Mike Trigg, Mickey Joyce, Olly Clark, Austen Petty, Luke Beebe (all Chandler’s Ford SC); Canberk Benning (Jesters, Swindon); James Budd (Stoke SC, Gosport); Sonnie O’Sullivan (Liberal Club, High Wycombe); Jamie Wilson (Copnor SC, Portsmouth); Sam Storey (Crucible, Newbury).

The second leg of eight is on Saturday, January 11, at the South West Snooker Academy, Gloucester.

Picture by Tim Dunkley