NINE-year-old Bowen Zhu called upon all his years of experience to land the 2014 Rotary Summer Cup at Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club.
Zhu, who has been playing the game far longer than any of the next five ranked lads, ended 28 days of competitions and skills training over the summer break in the number-one spot. He made his debut in the Eastleigh & District Under-13 League in July, 2010, aged five, and has competed in the school holiday competitions since they were launched in May, 2013.
Earlier in the summer, he upped his personal best competitive break to 27.
Recalling Zhu’s early career, competition organiser and World Snooker coach Tim Dunkley said: “It took Bowen five weeks to win his first match.
“And it’s taken him four years to win his first major trophy.
“I’m thrilled to bits for him. He’s worked so hard and suffered such disappointment but he’s now come of age and is ready to compete in regional tournaments on the Cuestars circuit.”
Ryan Hughes, the Easter Cup and Ken Jones May Half-Term Cup champion, finished runner-up. Defending champion and week-five winner Steven Hughes was third, ahead of Charlie Pringle, Oli Line and Reece Allen.
Chandler’s Ford SC will donate £100 from the entry fees to the Rotary Club of Chandlers Ford & Itchen Valley.
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