Riley Parsons lining up a shot at world glory

Parsons, from Cannock, has pocketed a shot at the world’s elite youngsters after being selected for the second year running to represent England in the under-18 World Championships.

After reaching the last 16 in Belgium in the same competition last year, Parsons admitted he was a little daunted once he discovered this year’s showpiece is being staged in Beijing, China next month.

But after relaying the selection news to his Cannock Conservatives Snooker Club, the 17-year-old was left full of gratitude for the act of kindness that followed.

The club’s committee, including secretary Colin Hopton, dug deep to contribute £500 towards the youngster’s travel costs after original worries that the self-funded trip may prove too expensive.

“I’m just buzzing. I was so pleased when I found out,” said the former Cannock Chase High School student.

“It’s such a prestigious event. When I’d found out where it was and the prices I was like ‘oh my God’ – I was worried and thinking it’d cost a lot of money, especially if my mum and dad had to come along too.

“I just want to say thank you to the club for giving me the opportunity. They’ve allowed me to have the chance.

“They’ve really encouraged me since I joined the club a year ago. I know I’m not just representing myself, but also the club.”

Parsons, who has rolled in a 147 against team-mate Jack Harris in practice, has recently finished his first season with the Cannock Cons club, who he represents in the West Midlands League Division One.

He joined the league’s ton-up club after notching his first league century when he rolled in a superb 104 during a Foursomes match with Harris against Jamie Spence and Dan Petch at Baggeridge Social in February.

He also features for Golden Cue Club in the Aldridge Snooker League and has represented England twice in amateur internationals.

After finishing school last summer, the dream for the Cannock potter is to one day make it a professional.

And competing for a second year at the world’s top competition for his age category puts Parsons in good stead.

He exited at the last 16 stage last year to prodigious Welsh star Tyler Rees but had already caught the eye, winning three of his four group stage matches and taking the last 32 tie 4-2 against Harris.

Parsons, who won this year’s West Midlands Under-21s tournament, in his debut season with Cons, believes he is in a better place to succeed this time around – and knows what could be at stake if he makes it to the top of the multi-national field.

“When I went to Belgium last year I was a bit of a rabbit in the headlights,” admitted Parsons, who also practises with Walsall professional Mark Joyce.

“Now I know what to expect, I want to do better. If you win the whole thing you get an automatic place in the qualifiers of the World Championships at the Crucible.

“There’s also £2,000 prize money. I really want to try and do well. The dream is to make it as a professional. It’s what I’ve wanted to do ever since I played pool with my dad when I was five.”