Scotland’s Michael Leslie happy to win pro tour card: 2012 European U-21 Snooker Championship
Scotland’s emerging young cueman, Michael Leslie failed to hit the winning spot in the 2011 European U-21 Snooker Championship but this time he controlled his cue stick well and played brilliantly in the final of 2012 European U-21 Snooker Championship to
clinch the title. He defeated England’s Shane Castle by an easy score line of 6-2 in the final at the Dedeman Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria.
With his victory in the European Championship, the Scottish youngster has earned a place in the professional snooker circuit for the next two years, as per new rules of World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). The 19-year-old Scotsman
is now ready to take on any challenger in his professional campaign.
While speaking to the local media after winning the Championship, Leslie said, “Last year I was just so disappointed to lose in the final, but I came here again this year and I felt stronger. I think maybe a wee bit of experience showed in the final which
made the difference.”
Scotland is one of those snooker nations which have produced top potters and Champions. The legendary Stephen Hendry, former World Snooker Champion Graeme Dott and the recent Champ John Higgins have gained a lot of appreciation not only from their own country
but also across the globe. Leslie is also looking forward to follow their footsteps and for that he has full support of his nation.
He explained, “The support from Scotland is brilliant. I practice every week with Marcus Campbell, Anthony McGill and I’ve had a few games with John Higgins as well. I’m really grateful to the support I’ve had from my parents, the Red Triangle Club at Cumbernauld
and my sponsors, Billy Stirling and Alan Maxfield.”
Leslie will be starting his professional run from 2012-13 Players Tour Championship (PTC) Event 1. The youngster participated in the PTCs of the current season but was not able to make an appearance and crashed out of first round of most of the events. However,
he is now aiming to cash this opportunity for real and place his name in the top guns of snooker.
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