AN EMOTIONAL Mason Wilson ended his six-year wait for a first Cuestars snooker tournament win and immediately dedicated the achievement to his late great nan, writes Tim Dunkley.
The 18-year-old from Basingstoke had been runner-up four times in his previous 46 ranking events on the junior circuit.
But success finally came in the opening leg of the Under-21 Silver Tour at Salisbury Snooker Club.
Wilson dug deep from 1-0 down to defeat William Hurley (Rayleigh, Essex) 2-1 in the final.
READ MORE: Basingstoke teenager Mason Wilson wins snooker U21 cup
Asked how he felt, the teenager said: “Very emotional, very emotional indeed.
“This is mainly dedicated to my great nan. She passed away a year ago. Unfortunately, she never got to see me win a tournament.
“I did think another final, 1-0 down, it’s not my day again.
“In my head, I went all over the place. But I managed to group it all together again.”
He thanked his family, sponsors and home club — the Academy, Basingstoke — for all their help.
Hurley, who earned promotion from the Bronze Tour at the end of last season, can be pleased with his debut performance.
SEE ALSO: Basingstoke chess sensation Steven Jones nears Master title
The 13-year-old was beaten only by Wilson in the round-robin group stages and then defeated Daniel Walter (Portsmouth) 2-1 in the last-four.
In the second semi, Wilson overcame Donnie Gola (Islington), last season’s Bronze rankings winner, 2-0.
Frames Sports Bar, Coulsdon, hosts the second leg of 10 on Sunday, October 1.
For more information about the event sponsor, Salisbury SC, go to salisburysnookerclub.co.uk.
BREAKS
Donnie Gola: 44.
William Hurley: 35, 33.
Lennon Savage: 33.
Caden Read: 30.
SILVER RESULTS
ROUND-ROBIN GROUP A: 1st, Mason Wilson (Academy, Basingstoke); 2nd, William Hurley (Lanes Sports Bar, Rayleigh); 3rd, Tom McEvoy (Salisbury SC); 4th, Lennon Savage (Salisbury SC); 5th, Christopher Woodward (Chandlers Ford SC).
ROUND-ROBIN GROUP B: 1st, Donnie Gola (Mildmay Club, Islington); 2nd, Daniel Walter (Copnor SC, Gosport); 3rd, Dylan Beer (Salisbury SC); 4th, Tyler Beer (Salisbury SC); 5th, Caden Read (Chandlers Ford SC).
SEMI-FINALS (15 points): Wilson 2-0 Walter, Hurley 2-0 Gola.
FINAL (25/18 points): Wilson 2-1 Hurley.
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