Carmarthenshire Junior Open 2010

SNOOKER sensation Jamie Clarke has scored a hat-trick of Carmarthenshire Junior Snooker Open titles.

Jamie, aged 15 and from Bryn in Llanelli, is Wales' hottest snooker prospect and is remarkably ranked number one snooker player for Wales at under 21 level.

He has recently narrowly missed out on winning £5,000 and a year's mentoring from Ronnie O'Sullivan when he represented Wales at the World Championship selection process in Sheffield.

Jamie Clarke being presented with trophy and prize for 2010 CCC Junior Open by County Councillor, Clive Scourfield

In the county competition Jamie beat European Under 19's champion Jak Jones from Cwmbran to secure the under 18 crown. Jamie was defending champion and had already won the under 14s event in 2008.

This was a great scalp for Jamie securing a 3-1 victory in a tight game with few breaks. Jak Jones will be a professional player in the 20010/11 season.

Swansea Ieuan Davies, aged 13, triumphed in the under 14 competition overcoming a strong challenge from Barry's Ryan Rowlands. Even though Ieuan ran out a 2 - 0 winner, both frames turned on a miss rule stringently applied by qualified referee, John Pellew.

Both events each attracted 32 entries with 64 players travelling from the length and breadth of Wales.

Carmarthenshire County Council teamed up with the Terry Griffiths Matchroom for the annual championships for a third year.

The competition is the biggest of its kind for young people in Carmarthenshire, and is part of a huge drive to involve young people in sport and leisure.

Terry Griffiths said: "The competition is going from strength to strength and has now been firmly established on the Welsh Junior Snooker Calendar.

"The county has turned out snooker players at the very highest level in the past and the CCC Junior Open gives today's aspiring young players the chance to enjoy competition that will hopefully provide the platform for future achievements in our sport."

County executive board member for leisure services Cllr Clive Scourfield who presented the prizes said: "It is wonderful to see youngsters with such talent being nurtured in such a professional manner. I look forward to following the progress of these senior sporting stars of the future.

Council tourism and marketing manager Huw Parsons said: "Snooker is one of the UK's most popular leisure pastimes and we are working to develop and promote the sport to young people, as it encourages dedication, coordination and discipline."

PRESS Note: For further information please contact Carmarthenshire County Council leisure services press officer Ron Cant on 01267-224923 or 0781101531