SNOOKER star of the future Paul Sweeny has just returned from Newcastle-under-Lyme where he won his first ranking tournament. Until recently the 23-year-old from Bexleyheath had had a disappointing season, which he capped by twisting an ankle before the Staffordshire event.

Sweeny started the year ranked 138 in the world which was not high enough for a place on the main tour. Instead he had to prove himself on the Rileys UK Tour for players ranked between 97 and 216. Sweeny said he only picked up a cue again the day before Event Five but the lay-off had obviously done him some good. He rattled off six wins in a row, recording five century breaks and a best of 131, to reach the final against practice partner Hugh Abernethy.

Sweeny trailed throughout the final on April 25 but snatched the final two frames for a 6-5 victory and his first ever tour title. He claimed £7,000, but more importantly, improved his world ranking to 100. The top 70 on this year's UK tour qualify for the main tour next year, but the top 24 gain a special seeding which exempts them from the first two rounds of future events. Sweeny is delighted to be in the second category.

Before last week, Sweeny had serious doubts about his future and had considered quitting. "I have no plans yet - a couple of weeks ago it might have been a different answer," he said. Who knows - we could be watching him in next year's World Championship.

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