John Donovan

THE thought of spending his £150 prize money on his new girlfriend Isabella helped spur snooker star John Donovan on to victory on Sunday at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club in Eastleigh, Hampshire.

The 19-year-old potter from Somers Town beat Harry Wyatt 3-2 in the final to win his first event on the Cuestars Under-21s Gold Tour following five runner-up trophies on the junior snooker circuit.

Revealing how a chat with his coach John Woods helped refocus his efforts, Donovan, who trains at Mildmay Snooker Club in Newington Green, said: “Earlier in the week, John gave me a bit of motivation. I wasn’t practising that much. I have a girlfriend now. He told me when I’m not with her, I should practise more and win tournaments and spend the prize money on her.”

The Cuestars Tour is aimed at giving grassroots players the chance to perfect their game by competing in a series of tournaments across the south of England. Depending on ability, there are Gold, Silver and Bronze tours.

Donovan now has a Gold Tour trophy to go alongside the six Silver and Bronze ranking winner’s accolades that he already has on his mantlepiece.

Having been a losing finalist on the Gold Tour five times since gaining promotion in 2021/22, the teenager added: “It wasn’t amazing, I was a bit nervous. I just tried to keep going and getting the wins.”