Sam’s the man
A SNOOKER-loopy teenage from Newbury has narrowly missed out on performing in front of the world’s most exciting player.
Sam Storey (left), who picked up the game just two-and-a-half years ago, won through to the regional finals of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Future Stars of Snooker 2011.
The 15-year-old finished fifth in a high-quality skills challenge involving six practice routines at Rileys, Bristol, which was won by Welsh international Jamie Clarke. England international Jordan Winbourne came second.
Storey’s mum Emily said: “He did amazingly well. It was a tough competition and a great experience.”
O’Sullivan will judge the final at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, during the World Championship. The overall winner receives £5,000 and coaching from ‘Rocket Ronnie’.
A Year 10 pupil at Park House School, Storey is a product of the Saturday morning junior sessions at Thatcham Snooker Club. His highest break is 35.
The young potter is also in his debut season on the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Bronze Tour where he is currently fourth.
To reach the Rileys regional final, Storey won a six-reds qualifying tournament in Reading. He beat Reading’s Cameron Holt, who is actually one place above him in the Cuestars rankings, 3-2 in the final.
Cuestars director John Hunter said: “I have always been impressed by Sam’s commitment to his snooker.
“His temperament is good and each time I see him play his standard has improved. In my opinion he has all the ingredients to become a very good snooker player.