John Donovan claims Silver title with fourth successive tournament win

JOHN Donovan has reaped the reward of all that hard work on the practice table.

The 16-year-old from Somers Town secured the Cuestars Under-21 Silver Tour rankings title in Bournemouth with two events still to play.

A 2-0 victory over William Thomson in the final of the sixth leg at Greenbaize Snooker Club earned Donovan a fourth successive winner’s trophy.

But for a rush of blood to his head, nine-year-old Thomson (Eastleigh) would have taken the first frame when his opponent needed a snooker.

Taking up the story, Donovan said: “William potted the brown but went in-off. But he didn’t really have to play that shot.”

Explaining his success this season, he added: “I play six days a week, sometimes seven, so I’m putting the hours in.”

Donovan admitted he rode his luck to beat Will Forster (Whiteley) 2-1 in the last-four. Thomson defeated Nat Kidner 2-1 to reach his second Silver final.

Earlier, five players in the seven-man round robin were separated by just one frame. Kidner (Bournemouth), on his return to the circuit, beat Harry Wyatt (Ferndown) in a play-off for the last knockout spot.

Samuel Laxton (Portsmouth) remains in second place in the rankings. His slim chance of catching Donovan evaporated when he lost out on a place in the knockout by one frame.

Third-placed Wyatt, 12, recorded the highest break of 57.

For more information about the event sponsor, Greenbaize Snooker Club, go to www.greenbaizesnooker.com.

Chandlers Ford Snooker Club hosts the seventh leg of eight on Sunday, April 24.

BREAKS

Harry Wyatt: 57.
John Donovan: 56, 30.
Samuel Laxton: 38, 36.
William Thomson: 37, 32.

SILVER RESULTS

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP: 1st, William Thomson (Chandlers Ford SC); joint 2nd, John Donovan (Cousins, London) and Will Forster (Fareham SC); 4th, Nat Kidner (Greenbaize, Bournemouth); 5th, Harry Wyatt (Greenbaize, Bournemouth); 6th, Samuel Laxton (Waterlooville Sports Bar); 7th, Owen Jenkins (Waterlooville Sports Bar).

SEMI-FINALS (15 points): Thomson 2-1 Kidner, Donovan 2-1 Forster.

FINAL (25/18 points): Donovan 2-0 Thomson.

Picture, from left: William Thomson, event sponsor and Greenbaize SC owner Debbie Ealy, John Donovan.