Isle of Wight snooker talent Noah aged 11 wins big event

It was a dream start to the new snooker season for 11-year-old Yarmouth boy, Noah Gartell, who scooped his first winner’s trophy on the Cuestars U21 Bronze Tour, in the opening leg, at Salisbury Snooker Club.

The previous day he recorded an incredible personal best break of 42, to set him up nicely.

Noah Gartell marks his amazing PB break of 42 recently. (Image: Tim Dunkley)

Noah’s long weekend kicked off with an early Saturday morning ferry, in time to compete in the Eastleigh and District U19 League, held at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club.

In the afternoon's Open Series, Noah put together his new high break against Navraj Landa, of Eastleigh.

On to Salisbury the following day, and Noah lost his opening round-robin match against Bradley Jones (Gosport) — but then beat Rayan El Qmache (London), Liam Piggott (Waterlooville) and Fabian Bernal (Tunbridge Wells) to qualify for the knock-out stages.

Noah Gartell proudly holds his Cuestars Trophy aloft. (Image: Tim Dunkley)

Noah then dispatched Lee Clayden (London) and Chris Bennett (Blackfield, Southampton) both by 2-1 scorelines to reach his first final.

Coping well with the tension, Noah stroked in a tricky long-range black into the yellow pocket to secure a 2-1 victory over 17-year-old debutant, Jack Squires (Gosport).

Clutching his prized silverware, the budding star, who attends Ryde School with Upper Chine, and who practises at The Ryde Club, said: “It feels amazing. The black was really high pressure.”

Noah trains with World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association coach, Tim Dunkley, at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club.

Tim said of Noah's incredible development in the game: “Noah has progressed rapidly since he joined us 18 months ago.

“You can’t fault his work ethic, and winning the event was the reward for all that hard work.

“He has a great practice facility on the Island, but he has to travel across The Solent to get the competition he needs against his peers — and that often means staying overnight.

“Are there any Island companies that could sponsor Noah and be part of his exciting snooker journey?”