Above photo by Deborah Branton

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Tournament Diary

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October 2020

English Open (Invitation, playing as an Amateur) - First Blood

After trailing throughout the match Connor remained composed to take the deciding frame to beat professional Fraser Patrick 4-3. This was Connors first win in a professional tournament, coming after only his second attempt. In the second round he came up against four times world champion, John Higgins, losing 4-0. He will have no doubt gained much experience from playing one of the most experienced and accomplished players in the modern game.

July 2020

World Championship (invitation, playing as an Amateur) - A New Experience

After taking the opening frame Connor lost 6-1 to professional Peter Lines. This was a different experience for Connor that has left him even more hungry and determined to succeed at his chosen career path.

Bronze Medal U18 European Championships Portugal

U18 European Championships Portugal Bronze Medal Winner

As a result of Connor's achievements during the season, Connor was also awarded a Wild Card to the World Professional Championships 2020.

Report by Tim Dunkley

Connor Benzey

2019 European U17 Champion

Day 8 European Championships - Final

Posted 12th January 2019, 23:15

Connor beat Paul Deaville 5-4 in a nail-biting final which will go down, to all that witnessed it, as one of the greatest finals in U17 history and one for which the tournament sponsors, Malta and its host will be proud of.

Both players showed up with their best games 'punching and counter-punching', one 'blow' after another. Both boys have become great friends throughout the course of this week but this friendship was put on hold in a master-class duel of safety for the ages, this combined with great long potting, break building, pressure clearances and sheer guts from both players in an effort to become Champion.

Paul went 1-0 up with a nice 50+ break. Connor then made it 1-1 with a great clearance to get himself into the match. The next 3 frames all consisted of tough match-play snooker which included a safety battle of some 25 minutes or more, neither player leaving the other a chance at a pot, although Connor did manage a couple of 30+ breaks and a 50+ to lead 4-1.

It was then Paul that dug deep and really took control of the game. His long potting and excellent break building shut Connor out of the match, not giving him any chances of clinching the decisive frame. So at 4-4 it was to be a decider with the winner 'taking all the marbles!'. Once again, Paul took control early on and it looked like he was going to realise one of the best comebacks ever seen in a youth final. However, one final but crucial mistake gave Connor the chance to make an all-but match winning break that eventually saw him get over the line after being pretty much shut-out of the match for over an hour.

Both boys were incredible and all credit to Paul who said "I think it was the best match I have ever played." Paul has a huge future and a great temperament for the game, I predict both his and Connors paths will cross a many times in the future. Paul is a credit to himself and his family and at just 14 years old he should be very proud of what he has achieved this week.

I’m not going to bore you with what else we did today as this is my last post. I hope you’ve all enjoyed 'the ride'. Connor and I both thank you for all your support. It’s been amazing👏👏👏👍But now there’s only one thing left for me to do.....announce Connor Benzey as

European Snooker U17 Open Champion 2019

We would also like to thank all Connors sponsors for helping us on our journey.

Pitman Training - Hillcrest Structural - GH Property Management - CoopersIFA

and not forgetting the excellent consultation from Sally McGinn of MindOddyssey

Day 7 European Championships - Semi-Final

Posted 11th January 2019, 22:30

The TeamConnor show reaches the FINAL!!!!!.

Connor beat Westley Cooper 4-2 in a tough semi final. The final is scheduled to start at 5pm (Malta time) tomorrow against Paul Deaville, playing the best of nine frames with an interval.

It is true to say that both players were not at there mercurial best tonight, which made for some tense moments for both family and friends to endure. Westley struggled to find his long potting prowess, that had helped him produce some true magic at times throughout the tournament. Whilst Connor was finding the pace of the table difficult to judge after someone had disconnected the under table heater. However, Connor knuckled down and found another gear in the final few frames that saw him slip over the line help with a beautiful 58 break, started by a fantastic pink into the center pocket.

Westley had told me earlier in the week that he’s been producing good form in practice for a while now but had not been able to reproduce it in matches. Well, I’m here to tell you ‘ he has now!!'....a future superstar for sure, if this week is to go by. Great kid!.

Today consisted of Connor waking up at 12.30 and going for cheeky swim and sauna, while I had a massage in the spa.

Connor would like to thank everyone for all their messages of support from all the Snooker Tours, family and friends. Been amazing 👍x

ONE MORE MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB!

Day 6 European Championships - Quarters

Posted 10th January 2019, 22:08

Connor beat Kieran Kay 3-0 in quarter finals, he had a nice 61 in frame one followed by solid match play snooker in last two frames to get over the line.

He plays an in-form Westley Cooper who beat break building machine Joe Fenton with a display of long potting for the ages ( Judd Trump would of been proud ).

The semi final match is scheduled for tomorrow night at 6.30pm. Best of seven.

The locals flocked out in their numbers along with local TV crew to watch the quarters this evening and they would not have been disappointed by what they saw.

No matter what happens it’s been an experience that we will never forget and we've made new friends for life. Still having fun and the show rolls on.

Thanks for all your support. Connor has had messages coming in from everywhere and is really embracing it.

Go Connor!

Day 5 European Championships

Posted 9th January 2019, 21:57

Connor won 2-1 against Liam Davies. He played a brilliant match especially after being 51-1 up in first frame and losing it. His safety was outstanding.

Quarter finals day tomorrow where Connor plays Kieran Kay at 6.30pm for a spot in semis.

Connor has been getting better and better each day, so fingers and toes crossed for tomorrow.

Thanks for all the support

Day 4 European Championships

Posted 8th January 2019, 21:01

Connor won his morning match against Kaif Shazard 2-1 and then his evening match against Bradley Cowdroy 2-1. Connor played very solid today adding a couple of 50+ breaks in the balls. Safety was top notch today and created himself good chances.

He plays Liam Davies at 7pm tomorrow night. If he wins then a quarter final place will be waiting for him on Thursday.

All to play for now tomorrow.

Day 3 European Championships (Connors first day)

Posted 7th January 2019, 16:58

Connor Benzey 1 Joe Fenton 2. A good match but Joe probably deserved to just edge it, he potted some lovely long balls. Points per frame based system so still a long way to go.

Big day tomorrow two matches: Connor vs Kaif Shazard 11am followed by Connor vs Bradley Cowdroy 5.30pm. This is by far the strongest overall group by far.

Off to Malta for the European U17 Open

Posted 5th January 2019, 07:40

Early start this morning with a 3am alarm call to take Mark and Connor to Airport. Wishing Connor lots of luck as he competes in the Under 17 European Open in Malta for the next week.

We would like thank all Connors sponsors for making this happen.

Pitman Training

Hillcrest Structural

GH Property Management

CoopersIFA

Connor's 143 break

Posted 3rd December 2018, 21:20

Quote from John Hunter of Cuestars in reference to a 143 break made by Connor against him:

“I’ve never seen break building like that from someone his age,” he said.

“The break was faultless. I can’t recall him having to make a difficult pot.”

Full report on Cuestars

Connor shines in WEBSF Gold Series

Posted 25th November 2018, 21:30

Connor reach the final of the West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Gold Series event 2. This prestigious series of snooker tournaments, sponsored by Totally Reward, is played-out over five events in venues around the West of England region. The venue of choice for this event was the 147 Snooker Club, Swindon and after a full day of competitive snooker Connor met Steve Brookshaw in the final. Even though Connor was pipped in a deciding frame, at just 16 years old he is the youngest player to have reached the final of a Gold Series event in the fourteen years the tournaments have been running. Connor also took the highest break prize for qualifiers (68).

Go to WEBSF for a full report.

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