David Rice joins the ton-up club

DAVID Rice (pictured) has received an extremely early birthday present.

The 21-year-old Silver Tour player from Fordingbridge compiled his first century break in a practice match with Richard Arnold at Salisbury Snooker Club.

Rice described reaching the milestone as an “incredible feeling” and admitted he was “shaking” when faced with a red on 99.

“I set myself the goal of having my first ton by December 28, my 22nd birthday,” he said. “To have one now is just an incredible feeling.

“To be honest, I didn’t believe I was good enough at the moment to make one. But I’m putting in endless hours on the practice table which has now paid off.”

Faced with a black off its spot and one red left on exactly 100, he added: “I was so pleased and shocked at the same time that I missed it.

Report by Tim Dunkley.