TWO young snooker talents have been catching the eye with some impressive record-breaking performances.
Thomas O'Dowd and Ashton Chisnall, both 13, have made massive impacts within the St Helens & District Snooker Leagues, and beyond, in the 2023/2024 season.
They have broken a number of records across the 79-Year history of the Leagues (founded in 1945) in winning titles both individually, and as a team.
Thomas and Ashton, who play for St Teresa's and Parr Cons WMC respectively, have both set records for being the youngest winners of individual competitions in the Leagues' history.
In his first full season, Ashton, from Parr, was the winner of the St Helens Under 25s Individuals, at the time aged 12, and becoming the youngest ever winner of any tournament in our history.
The St Cuthbert's pupil then followed this up with success in the Thursday League Three Man Team Championship, alongside his Dad Chris, and team-mates Neil Lynch and Ant Rampling.
Meanwhile, Thomas, not to be outdone, became the youngest ever winner of an open 'major' individual championship when he won the Handicap Open Singles title, battling off more than 100 entrants to lift the trophy.
Just three days before winning the Open, Thomas, from Moss Bank, also won the Prescot & Liverpool League Pairs Championship, alongside his dad, Dave.
Sutton Academy pupil Thomas was a part of the League title-winning team with St Teresa's in 2022/2023, when he was 12-years old.
David O'Dowd, who is general secretary and treasurer at St Helens & District Snooker Leagues, said: "Our local leagues have always been dominated by adult men ever since formation as social clubs were always seen as a haven for working men.
"But we have a new generation of young and talented players coming through with their teams who are challenging the status quo with more teenaged players that we have had for a long time now competing across both nights that our League operates (Wednesdays and Thursdays).
"The future is bright for these two young players given their successes this season!"
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