Welsh invader tops Gold Tour rankings

WELSH international Ollie Briffett-Payne (pictured) defeated world No 85 Jamie Wilson to complete a successful debut on the Cuestars Under-21 Gold Tour.

The 16-year-old from Risca, near Newport, pocketed £100 in prize money after his 2-1 victory in the final of the first leg at Salisbury Snooker Club.

Wilson (Havant) needed four snookers on the last red in the deciding frame.

But Briffett-Payne admitted the 14-point handicap that his professional opponent was forced to concede was a deciding factor.

“It’s been good. I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “I said to (Wilson) how much of a difference having a 14 head start makes.”

Briffett-Payne is based at the Red Triangle Snooker Club in Newport, which is owned by former professional Darren Morgan.

“Darren sponsors me and helps me quite a lot,” he said. “He’s more of an adviser. I’ve never had coaching in my life. It’s all natural.”

Briffett-Payne, who was urged to enter the event by Cuestars members Roy and Jaydon Elliott, was the only player to beat Wilson in the 2019 Home Internationals.

Earlier, 18-year-old Wilson recorded the day’s highest break of 92 in his 2-0 last-four victory over O’Shay Scott (Eastleigh).

In the second semi, Briffett-Payne overcame Shane Kearns (Swindon) 2-1.

The event was sponsored by Salisbury Snooker Club and one if its members, Malcom Slark.

Woking Snooker Centre hosts the second leg of eight on Sunday, December 5.

BREAKS

Jamie Wilson: 92, 79, 77.
Elliott Johnson: 40.
Ollie Briffett-Payne: 40.

GOLD RESULTS

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP: 1st, Jamie Wilson (Waterlooville Sports Bar); 2nd, Ollie Briffett-Payne (Red Triangle SC, Newport); 3rd, Shane Kearns (Jesters, Swindon); 4th, O’Shay Scott (Chandlers Ford SC); 5th, Riley Ellis (Chandlers Ford SC); 6th, Elliott Johnson (London Snooker).

SEMI-FINALS (15 points): Briffett-Payne 2-1 Kearns, Wilson 2-0 Scott.

FINAL (£100/£25, 25/18 points): Briffett-Payne 2-1 Wilson.