Chris Wakelin claimed the Snooker Shoot Out title in stunning fashion on Saturday night, making a tournament high break of 119 in the final against Belgian teenager Julien Leclercq.
The chaotic one-frame tournament throws up a lot of surprises and few would have expected a Wakelin vs Leclercq final, but both had been excellent throughout.
There was nothing that the Belgian Beast could do in the showpiece match, though, with Wakelin knocking in an immense century, and claiming an extra £5,000 for making the tournament high break in the process.
The 30-year-old also pockets £50,000 for winning the competition on a dream weekend for the world number 47.
After lifting the trophy he dedicated the win to his long-term coach Gary Morris who has not been well, but will love seeing his student triumph.
‘I’ve had a guy coach me since I was 10 years old who’s done wonders for my life, in terms of giving me the opportunity to be a professional snooker player,’ Wakelin told Eurosport.
‘Unfortunately at the minute he’s not been very well, so sending my best wishes to Gary, this one’s for you mate!’
He added: ”128 players turned up this, giving it their best shot, throwing their name in the hat and I’m lucky to be the man who comes out on top.
‘It’s everything I could have dreamed of, you work day-in day-out, 10 years now of not really achieving anything spectacular, but today it all came together.’
Leclercq is new on tour this season and struggled for results but looked superb on his run to the final and looks to have a very bright future in the game.
ð AWESOME WAKELIN ð
The moment @chris147ace defeated Leclercq to claim the Snooker Shoot Out title! @WeAreWST | @DiscoveryPlusUK pic.twitter.com/dBCTDQ2rLX
Wakelin said of the teenager, who wins £20,000 for his efforts: ‘He’s an absolute credit to us, as a sport, he’s come here this week and shown that not only can he battle but he can score really heavily.
‘Gave a great account of himself and was very gracious in defeat. He’s got a long future in the game, a long future.’
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