A Major snooker championship for young people is returning to Carmarthenshire.
Youngsters from across Wales will be cueing up for the prestigious Carmarthenshire Junior Snooker Open and Carmarthenshire County Council has teamed up with the Terry Griffiths Matchroom for the event.
It is the biggest competition of its kind for young people in the area, and has been made an annual fixture after a successful debut last year.
Preparations are now underway for the tournament, which is a part of the council’s burgeoning events calendar.
It will be split into under-14 and under-18 categories and will be held over two days at the Llanelli club.
The winners will receive cash prizes, a trophy and a coveted coaching lesson with former world champion Terry Griffiths, who is one of the world’s leading coaches.
The runners-up will also receive a cash prize and a trophy.
The under-14s qualifying matches will be held on Saturday, March 28th; the under-18s qualifying matches will be on Saturday, April 4th, and the finals will be arranged in May.
Young people from across the county and further afield will be invited to take part.
The council’s tourism and marketing manager, Huw Parsons, said: “Snooker is one of the UK’s most popular leisure pastimes and this event proved very popular last year.
“By working in partnership with the Matchroom, the council hopes to further develop and promote snooker to the younger generation. It is committed to boosting the number of young people involved in sport and leisure, and snooker encourages dedication, co-ordination and discipline.”
Matchroom manager Wayne Griffiths said: “We carry out a great deal of work with young people, including a weekly club, junior competitions and coaching sessions, and we are delighted to be working with the council again on the junior open.
“The game offers opportunities for youngsters to use mathematical skills, as well as improving concentration.
“I have no doubt that the standard for the tournament will be high and it will be a real opportunity for young players to showcase their talent.”
For further information and entry forms visit www.terrygriffithsmatch room.co.uk or contact the Matchroom on 01554 774494.
