Snooker fans were gripped over the bank holiday as they watched Wu Yize topple Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a nail-biting final to win the World Championship. But the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield was not the only venue to host a close encounter on the green baize recently. At the other end of the sport, where junior players are working hard to fine-tune their skills and carve out their own careers, another young snooker star climbed to the top of the rankings.
John Donovan Crowned Cuestars Under-21s Gold Tour Champion
John Donovan was crowned the Cuestars Under-21s Gold Tour champion by the thinnest possible margin last month. A “nervy” 2-0 semi-final win over Harry Wyatt in the 10th and final leg of the series at Green Baize Snooker Club in Bournemouth proved decisive. It meant that the 20-year-old cueist from Somers Town drew level on points with title rival Noah Gartell, who lost his semi-final against William Thomson 2-1. Donovan was also eventually beaten by Thomson, losing 2-0. But his appearance in the final was enough to tie him level with Gartell on 135 points, earning Donovan the title on countback as he has won two of the previous Gold Tour events this season.
“I was still confident I was going to win the rankings,” said Donovan. “I knew it was going to come down to that last tournament. I’m really happy with it.”
Cuestars Tour: A Platform for Grassroots Talent
The Cuestars Tour is aimed at giving grassroots players the chance to perfect their game by competing in a series of tournaments across the south of England. Depending on ability, there are Gold, Silver and Bronze tours. Next up comes the Cuestars Under-21s Championships at Jimmy White’s Snooker Lounge in Working on Sunday, May 17, when the top 16-ranked players from each of the three tours will compete for a first prize of £250. Donovan will be among the promising potters from Gone2Pot who are set to take part in the tournament, alongside Donnie Gola from Islington and Rayan El Qmache from Westminster.
Gone2Pot Coaching Programme
Run by John Woods, Gone2Pot offers coaching for all levels, and hosts children’s sessions at the Hurricane Room in King’s Cross every Saturday. Praising Donovan’s latest success, Woods, who lives in Islington, said: “John made his Cuestars debut in 2018 and remained undefeated as he won the Bronze Tour. He then won the Silver Tour in 2021/22, and has now confirmed his place as number one in the Gold Tour to complete the set. It’s an incredible achievement.”
With his best young protégés taking to the tables in Working, Woods added: “Having won the Gold Tour, John will be the favourite, but all of the boys will be confident and fancy their chances. On their day they can all beat anyone; it promises to be a fantastic tournament.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Gone2Pot children’s sessions, which are held at the Hurricane Room in King’s Cross every Saturday between 10am and 1pm, can call John Woods on 07511 916 346. Sessions cost just £5, and any children visiting for the first time must be accompanied by an adult.
