Waterlooville Sports Bar triple title-winner Laxton: Everyone is upping their game

The 13-year-old feels the competition is getting tougher and tougher.

He said: '˜It's been a lot more challenging than the last one. 

'˜Everyone's improving so I've had to up my game.'

Laxton returned to the green baize in 2016 after a two-year break. 

He joined the junior leagues at Waterlooville Sports Bar after reading a story in The News.

The following season, he made his debut on the Cuestars under-21 bronze tour, finished third in the rankings and won the championship play-off in Swindon to earn promotion to silver.

Recently, he joined the EASB regional junior tour south, a feeder for the national under-21 circuit.

And earlier this month, he qualified for the last-16 of the English Under-14 Championship.

He added: '˜I can feel the improvement in my game.

'˜I've got the belief now that I can do well which I never had a few months ago.'

League organiser and World Snooker coach Tim Dunkley is impressed by the progress made by Laxton.

He said: '˜I knew Samuel had the talent to compete regionally as soon as he joined us. 

'˜In fact, everyone associated with the junior leagues knew this '“ apart from Samuel. 

'˜He has blazed a trail that others can now follow.'

Billy Reid held off Tyler Mack to win his third division two title.

Ryan Kneller took the honours in division three from Aaron Wilson.

A new 20-week season kicks off next Wednesday. Beginners are welcome. 

Meanwhile, Zak Truscott celebrated his 15th birthday by extending his lead at the top of the Monday Junior Snooker League to 12 points with four weeks remaining. 

And eight-year-old Keira Hiscock recorded six straight victories to extend her lead at the top of the Junior Pool League.

World Snooker coach Tim Dunkley runs snooker sessions for under-19s from 4.30pm to 6.30pm every Monday and Wednesday and junior pool sessions from 4.30pm to 6.30pm every Thursday.