Zain re-boot earns first Gold winner’s trophy

A TOOTING teenage snooker ace took a leaf out of a computer expert’s handbook to claim his first winner’s trophy on the Cuestars Under-21 Gold Tour.

Zain Jeraj decided to re-boot his game after a long hard season by packing his cue away for just over a week before the last leg in Bournemouth.

And the move paid dividends as the 14-year-old ended his second season in the top tier by pocketing £100 in prize money after beating William Thomson (Chandler’s Ford) 3-0 in the final at Greenbaize Snooker Club.

Jeraj explained: “My game in the past couple of months really dipped. I haven’t played good at all.

“I went into this with no pressure. Whatever happens, happens.

“It’s great fun, travelling across the country and even going abroad sometimes, seeing friends, meeting new people. It’s something I look forward to doing more of in the future.”

This season, as well as Cuestars events, Jeraj captained the England Under-16 C team in the Home Internationals, represented England in the European Under-16 Championship in Turkey, competed on the English Junior Tour (the national under-21 circuit) and entered three of England national junior championships.

Jeraj, who finished the season second in the rankings to Riley Ellis (Swindon), thanked his dad, Tan, and coach Brian Cox.

The event was sponsored by Greenbaize SC (www.greenbaizesnooker.com) and club member Shaun Hayman.

Next up is the Cuestars Under-21 Gold, Silver and Bronze Championships at Jesters Snooker Club, Swindon, on Sunday, May 25.

BREAKS

William Thomson: 65, 64, 63, 47.
Elliott Johnson: 65, 47.
Asten Sahota: 59, 47.
Ryan Spratt: 48, 40.
Zain Jeraj: 41.

GOLD RESULTS

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP A: 1st, Zain Jeraj (London Snooker, Tooting); 2nd, Asten Sahota (Chandlers Ford SC); 3rd, Riley Ellis (Chandlers Ford SC); 4th, Ryan Spratt (Chandlers Ford SC); 5th, Dylan Beer (Salisbury SC).

ROUND-ROBIN GROUP B: 1st, William Thomson (Chandlers Ford SC); 2nd, John Donovan (Hurricane Room, Colindale); 3rd, Elliott Johnson (Hurricane Room, Kings Cross); 4th, Will Forster (Waterlooville Sports Bar); 5th, Donnie Gola (Mildmay Club).

SEMI-FINALS: (15 points): Jeraj 2-0 Donovan, Thomson 2-0 Sahota.

FINAL (£100/£25, 25/18 points): Jeraj 3-0 Thomson.