Dean Russell claims first Waterlooville title

DEAN Russell made it third time lucky in his bid to claim the Wednesday Junior Snooker League title at Waterlooville Sports Bar.

The 16-year-old from Copnor, twice a runner-up, ended the third season six points clear of defending champion Samuel Laxton.

Russell said: “It’s a great achievement considering I’ve come runner-up twice in a row.

“And it’s a higher standard. Everyone’s beating everyone now.

“I’m glad I got a lot of points at the start of the season.”

Reflecting on the new 20-week season that starts next Wednesday, he said: “If I could defend the title, it’ll be fantastic because it’s never been done before.”

And he added that he was “very happy” to be fourth in the rankings in his debut year on the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Bronze Tour.

Russell, who is in the first year of a plastering course at Highbury College, had never played competitive snooker before joining the league a little over a year ago.

League organiser and World Snooker coach Tim Dunkley said: “I’m delighted for Dean.

“He’s had a fantastic year. He’s suffered some disappointments. And now he’s proved he’s a winner.”

Meanwhile, Laxton booked automatic promotion to the Cuestars Silver Tour after passing the 40-break milestone.

The 12-year-old compiled a 41, using only pinks and blues, in his first match against the newly-crowned champion.

Vinnie Rix, who joined the league part way through the season, won the second round-robin group and secured the Division 2 title by one point from Antony Terroni.

Henry Martin won Division 3 from George Laxton.

In the Monday Junior League, Owen Jenkins rose to the challenge of making a 20 break using reds and colours before his debut on the Cuestars Bronze Tour at Top Spot SC, Havant, on Sunday.

The nine-year-old proved he is ready by making a personal best 25 against Jake Martin and then adding a 23 against Lewis Wilson.

Dunkley runs sessions for under-19s from 4.30-6.30pm every Monday and Wednesday.

Picture by Tim Dunkley

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Tim Dunkley (World Snooker coach)