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JAMES Budd hailed his victory on the EASB Regional Junior Tour South at Fareham Snooker Club as the “biggest win” of his career so far.
The 18-year-old, who hadn’t been past the quarter-finals in his previous six outings, dominated the first leg at his home-town club.
Remarkably, Budd lost just one out of 15 frames to head the rankings with five legs left.
“I was pleased with my safety and put opponents under pressure,” he said. “I was focused throughout and deserved to win it, I thought.”
Promotion from the feeder circuit would mean joining fellow Cuestars players Thomas Lancastle, Sonnie O’Sullivan and Mark Lloyd on the EASB Premier Junior Tour, a national circuit for the country’s top-49 under-21s.
Budd, who finished his debut season in 12th place, kicked off his second campaign in storming style. Victories over Jamie Wilson (Portsmouth), Reggie Edwards (Norwich) and Jamie Hawkins (Bristol) in the group stages were followed in the knockout by 2-0 wins over Jamie Wilkes (Bristol), Joe Taylor (London) and, in a 36-minute final, Ronnie Blake (London).
The winner pocketed £70. Aaron Lowe (Bristol) collected the high-break prize of £15 for an 86 in the group stages.
The second leg of six is at Cambridge Snooker Centre on Sunday, October 26.
Tim Dunkley (EASB Media Officer South and World Snooker coach)
The 18-year-old, who hadn’t been past the quarter-finals in his previous six outings, dominated the first leg at his home-town club.
Remarkably, Budd lost just one out of 15 frames to head the rankings with five legs left.
“I was pleased with my safety and put opponents under pressure,” he said. “I was focused throughout and deserved to win it, I thought.”
Promotion from the feeder circuit would mean joining fellow Cuestars players Thomas Lancastle, Sonnie O’Sullivan and Mark Lloyd on the EASB Premier Junior Tour, a national circuit for the country’s top-49 under-21s.
Budd, who finished his debut season in 12th place, kicked off his second campaign in storming style. Victories over Jamie Wilson (Portsmouth), Reggie Edwards (Norwich) and Jamie Hawkins (Bristol) in the group stages were followed in the knockout by 2-0 wins over Jamie Wilkes (Bristol), Joe Taylor (London) and, in a 36-minute final, Ronnie Blake (London).
The winner pocketed £70. Aaron Lowe (Bristol) collected the high-break prize of £15 for an 86 in the group stages.
The second leg of six is at Cambridge Snooker Centre on Sunday, October 26.
Tim Dunkley (EASB Media Officer South and World Snooker coach)