George Laxton claims first winner’s trophy

GEORGE Laxton has collected his first winner’s trophy on the regional junior snooker circuit.

The 11-year-old from Portsmouth had only picked up his cue again two weeks before the trip to Wiltshire.

But the summer holiday had clearly re-energised the exciting young potter.

Laxton dropped only one frame all day in the opening leg of the Cuestars Under-21 Bronze Tour at Salisbury Snooker Club.

And that defeat was at the hands of his Waterlooville Sports Bar clubmate Ryan Kneller in the group stages.

He topped his group and then defeated home player Will Kempson and Harry Wyatt, one of the pre-season favourites, by 2-0 scorelines in the knockout.

And in the clash of the two first-time finalists, he overcame Jaydon Elliott 2-0.

Paying tribute to his opponent from Swindon, Laxton said: “It was tense. Jaydon played very, very well.”

Talking about his expectations ahead of the event, he added: “I just thought give it my best as we’ve had a long break.”

Meanwhile, two new high breaks were recorded during the event sponsored by loft conversion specialist Attic Life and Salisbury Snooker Club.

Jake Sharp (Portsmouth) knocked in a 22 to beat Freddie Turner (Andover) and 12-year-old Elliott compiled a 21 in his 2-1 semi-final victory over Daniel Walter.

Seven-year-old William Thomson (Eastleigh) was unbeaten in his five-man group and qualified for the knockout for the first time. His run ended in a 2-0 quarter-final defeat at the hands of Walter (Portsmouth).

Aaron Wilson (Waterlooville) topped his group on his debut.

Waterlooville Sports Bar hosts the second leg of ten on Sunday, October 6.

For more information about our sponsors, visit atticlife.co.uk and salisburysnookerclub.co.uk.

BREAKS

George Laxton: 24, 20.
Katie Griffin: 22.
Aaron Wilson: 22.
Tyler Mack: 22.
Jake Sharp: 22.
Jaydon Elliott: 21.

BRONZE RESULTS

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP A: 1st, George Laxton (Waterlooville Sports Bar); 2nd, Jaydon Elliott (147, Swindon); 3rd, Tom Elwell (Jesters, Swindon); 4th, Ryan Kneller (Waterlooville Sports Bar); 5th, Caden Read (Chandlers Ford SC).

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP B: 1st, William Thomson (Chandlers Ford SC); 2nd, Harry Wyatt (Chandlers Ford SC); 3rd, Katie Griffin (Jesters, Swindon); 4th, Taylor Elliott (147, Swindon); 5th, Ryan Wilson (Waterlooville Sports Bar).

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP C: 1st, Aaron Wilson (Waterlooville Sports Bar); 2nd, Will Kempson (Salisbury SC); 3rd, Thomas Devine (Chandlers Ford SC); 4th, Thomas McEvoy (Salisbury SC); 5th, Eddie Mason (Salisbury SC).

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP D: 1st, Freddie Turner (Salisbury SC); 2nd, Daniel Walter (Mayfair, Gosport); 3rd, Tyler Mack (Waterlooville Sports Bar); 4th, Jake Sharp (Waterlooville Sports Bar); 5th, Sam Walter (Mayfair, Gosport).

QUARTER-FINALS (12 points): Laxton 2-0 Kempson, Wyatt 2-0 Turner, D Walter 2-0 Thomson, J Elliott 2-1 A Wilson.

SEMI-FINALS (15 points): Laxton 2-0 Wyatt, J Elliott 2-1 D Walter.

FINAL (25/18 points): Laxton 2-0 J Elliott.

Picture by Tim Dunkley

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Tim Dunkley (World Snooker coach)