Callender wins first U21 Championship
SURREY teenager Vincent Callender said it was “the best feeling ever” after winning the inaugural Cuestars Under-21 Snooker Championship.
The 13-year-old from Frimley Green capped a victorious campaign in the end-of-season finale on home tables at Jimmy White’s Sports Lounge in Woking.
Vincent pocketed £250 in prize money after beating Asten Sahota 2-1 from 1-0 down in the final on one of the club’s two professional-standard Star tables.
Asten, conceding a 28-point handicap start, took the opening frame with a 54 break but Vincent’s run of 31 did the damage in the decider. The match was refereed by club stalwart Terry Teeman
Bronze rankings winner Vincent said: “I can’t get over it, winning four Bronze tournaments and then winning the Championship is just amazing. It’s the best feeling ever.
“Playing Gold players is very tough. Getting a 28-point handicap start helps but it’s still very challenging, especially against Asten in the final.
“It was a very good final. He was potting amazing balls in the first frame. He was flying and it was nice to watch.”
A Cuestars spokesman said: “Anyone who has followed the Bronze Tour this season will not be surprised to see Vincent in the winners’ enclosure again.”
Southampton-based Asten, 14, collected £100. Losing semi-finalists Ronnie Sullivan and O’Shay Scott received £50 each.
Ronnie recorded the day’s highest break of 103 in his first round-robin group-stage match against Harry Rice.
Jimmy White memorabilia – including framed signed pictures, signed balls and books – were dished out to the players.
National treasure Jimmy popped in and, as usual, was happy to pose for pictures.
John Donovan (Gold), Lennon Savage (Silver) and Vincent (Bronze) were presented with trophies for winning their respective rankings.
Joseph Hughes was nominated to receive the Club Rankings trophy on behalf of Chandlers Ford Snooker Club.
There were 40 entries for this invitational event. It was the first Cuestars tournament at the 11-table club since the old Woking Snooker Centre was sold and then transformed by Jimmy and his consortium. I can recommend ham and shroom pizza at dinnertime plus brownies at teatime.
Picture: Club manager Laura presents Vincent Callender with his trophy plus £250