Kidderminster potter tipped for pros ranks

The Kidderminster hot-shot added to his growing reputation by landing the English Association of Billiards & Snooker under-16 title.

The 15-year-old, who plays for Pockets Snooker Club in Kidderminster, claimed the silverware with victory against Landywood Snooker Club's Jack Harris at Cue Ball Snooker Club in Derby.

The national success put the seal on another impressive season for Fish, who turns out for Pockets in the Stourbridge and Kidderminster Leagues.

And Pockets Snooker Club owner Alan Turner believes the youngster has what it takes to go on and join the professional ranks.

Turner said: "It's hell of an achievement to win the under-16 title.

"Taylor has been playing for about four years but has only been entering competitions for the last two years and lost in the final of the under-14 competition last year.

"I have been involved in snooker for 35 years and I have never seen anyone with this sort of talent.

"If he puts in the effort, I can't see any reason why he can't go on to become a professional. He is a huge natural talent.

"Everyone at the club is really proud of him. The final was screened on You Tube and we had a few people at the club watching it. He is a very quiet young man and hates the limelight.

"He is very single-minded. I think he has the right mental attitude to do well."

Fish, who is coached by Stourbridge League stalwart Kev Franklin, triumphed 6-2 in the final against his good friend and occasional practice partner Harris, but was still critical of his display.

Turner said: "After he had won, he was more concerned about a couple of pots that he had missed that could have proved costly. He is very critical of himself.

"The final was a cagey affair and I think the fact that Taylor and Jack are very good friends made it tougher for both of them.

"But Taylor had a 50 break and some 40s and 30s and in the end ran out a comfortable winner against a very good player."

Fish followed up his success with victory in the Kidderminster League's prestigious Ian Barnes Invitational Trophy, beating Neil Chapman (Chester Road Bowling Club) 3-0 in the final.

That put the seal on an impressive season on the green baize for the King Charles I High School student.

Turner added: "Taylor followed up his under-16 win by lifting the Ian Barnes Invitational Trophy, which features the league's the top 16 players.

"He has also won the league's singles handicap competition so he has had a very good season."