Sixteen-year-old Stepney Green star makes his mark

Stepney Green’s Sean O’Sullivan has become the youngest-ever winner of the Champion of Champions trophy at Upton Park Snooker Centre.

The 16-year-old held off strong competition in the event entered by winner’s of competitions throughout the season.

With handicaps in place and no age limit to the entrants, O’Sullivan won five matches on his way to picking up the trophy, including overturning a 58 point head start.

The rising star, who is no relation to namesake Ronnie, lifted the trophy beating Ferdous Alam in the final.

“It was great to win,” said O’Sullivan.

“It is the most prestigious tournament held in Upton Park and has been running since 1986.

“The table I won the final on has been used by Ken Doherty and Ronnie O’Sullivan who have gone on to win World Championships and I hope to follow in their footsteps.”

The Bishop Challoner School pupil began playing Pool from a young age, but has since gone on to represent his country playing Snooker at under-14 level against Scotland and more recently represented England B in the under-16 home internationals.

O’Sullivan has no doubt now as to which of the two he prefers.

“I used to play Pool and I represented London Juniors in under-18 competitions.

“But I have been playing snooker for seven years and I love it.

The youngster, who has made 16 maximum 147 breaks in practice, made his highest tournament break this season with a 137 whilst playing at Upton Park.

O’Sullivan is hoping to turn professional, but has his feet firmly on the ground and insists he wants to finish school before embarking on a career in the game.

“I am just about to start my A-levels and I’m trying to balance everything, because I want to have a back-up to snooker.

“For now, I will keep entering tournaments and practising as often as I can.”