Johnson edges ahead in Silver rankings race

SURREY teenager Elliott Johnson replaced Riley Ellis at the top of the Cuestars Under-21 Silver Tour rankings after beating his title rival in the final of the penultimate leg.

The 16-year-old from Sutton wrapped up a 2-0 victory at Fareham Snooker Club with a 59 break.

It means he takes a four-point lead into next Sunday’s season finale.

Reflecting on his match against Ellis and looking ahead to the trip to Swindon, Johnson said: “I managed to make a 27 clearance to win the first frame and in the second frame I just had my potting boots on.

“I just need to stay strong, keep practising, keep the hard work going and look forward to next Sunday.”

Johnson added that he wouldn’t be where he is today without the support of grandad Dave Hedges, coach John Woods and his top-quality opponents at the Hurricane Room in Kings Cross.

Meanwhile, 11-year-old Harry Wyatt (Ferndown) chalked up his highest Cuestars break of 60 in his group-stage defeat by Ellis (Clyffe Pypard, North Wilts).

Leg-four winner Will Forster (Whiteley) climbed to third place after losing 2-0 to Ellis in the last-four.

Former Bronze rankings winner Owen Jenkins (Havant) produced his best performance of the season to reach the knockout. The 13-year-old lost 2-0 to Johnson in the second semi.

Jesters Snooker Club, Swindon, hosts the sixth and final leg on Sunday, October 3.

Find out more about event sponsor Fareham Snooker Club at www.farehamsnooker.co.uk.

BREAKS

Harry Wyatt: 60.
Elliott Johnson: 59.
Owen Jenkins: 32.
Riley Ellis: 30.

SILVER RESULTS

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP A: 1st, Riley Ellis (Chandlers Ford SC); 2nd, Owen Jenkins (Waterlooville Sports Bar); 3rd, Harry Wyatt (Greenbaize, Bournemouth); 4th, Nat Kidner (Greenbaize, Bournemouth).

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP B: 1st, Elliott Johnson (London Snooker); 2nd, Will Forster (Fareham SC); 3rd, Chloe White (Waterlooville Sports Bar); 4th, William Thomson (Chandlers Ford SC); 5th, Callum White (Waterlooville Sports Bar).

SEMI-FINALS (15 points): Johnson 2-0 Jenkins, Wyatt, Ellis 2-0 Forster.

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