BONNYRIGG'S Michael Leslie won the Scottish Under-16 National Snooker Championship in Glasgow and in doing so clinched the No.1 spot in the country.
Ross Muir, a 12-year-old pupil at Musselburgh Grammar School, made it a double success for the East of Scotland when he beat schoolmate Greg Ritchie (13) in the final of the under-14 age group event, also in Glasgow.
Ross is also now the Scottish
No.1 at that age group.
Both these talented young snooker stars are members of the Scottish Youth Snooker Association, set up by Michael's father, Mike, who is the co-owner of the Bonnyrigg Snooker Club along with his wife, Tracey, Paul Marinello (Locarno Snooker Club), and other committed snooker enthusiasts only three years ago.
The aim of the new association was to promote the game among young people in Scotland and it has paid off handsomely with two Scottish champions now among the large group of young snooker players that take part in regular tournaments in different parts of the country each year.
As Scottish champions, both Michael and Ross will be in line for representative honours when the new season starts in September.
Lasswade High School pupil Leslie is among the favourites to pick up the prestigious Young Sportsperson of the Year Award at the upcoming Midlothian Council Sports Awards ceremony.
Both these great ambassadors for the sport turned up for the photocall immaculately dressed in their playing gear of white shirts, bow ties, black waistcoats, trousers and shoes.
Michael's father said: "Snooker is a very demanding sport, requiring lots of practice and commitment. We also think it vital to impress on young players the importance of behaviour and sportsmanship. It is very costly to transport players to tournament in six different regions in Scotland and I am grateful to my son's sponsor, Martin Fraser of Electro Check. He has been marvellous."
Ross's father, Robert, added: "My son is sponsored by Alder Building Contractor and the help given to us is also vital if Ross is continue taking part in tournaments in Scotland. The costs involved can be quite demanding."
The full article contains 360 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
