A YOUNG snooker prodigy is reaching for the stars after winning a national competition in Leeds.
Johnny Blaise Collier, 11, of High Street in Dodworth, recently won the qualifying round of the English under-14s National Snooker Championships at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds.
Johnny won the final of the qualifiers, seeing off competition from 18 other boys.
He won a total of nine frames out of the 12 played during the day.
His mum, Rachel Collier, told the Chronicle: “Johnny couldn’t believe he won, it was a very long day and he felt amazing afterwards.
“He really wanted to win and his focus and determination got him through.
“He is now so excited to be through to stage two which is to be held at the Q-Bar in Walsall on Saturday March 2.
“This is where the best under-14s from the north will be competing to play the winner of the southern stages.
“It is the first time he has won a qualifying stage and is hoping to win a lot more in the future.”
He regularly attends the snooker coaching sessions at the Leeds-based centre, whilst also visiting Gilroyd Social Club - and Rachel has offered her sincere thanks to the owners who are supporting her son.
“Johnny has been playing snooker and pool ever since he could hold a cue and is also coached by his dad, Jamie, a snooker player himself who regularly competes,” she added.
“Johnny’s favourite players are Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shaun Murphy and Judd Trump.”
