SNOOKER: Prodigy rises with sinking success

Greg Lancaster is leading the resurgence in local snooker as the young brigade breathe new life into the sport.
The 18-year-old prodigy took out his second title of the year yesterday, downing Steve Emery at the HBCBSA Handicap Snooker Singles. The 2-1 win at the Hastings RSA was made sweeter by Lancaster fighting back from 1-0 down to beat his Napier Cossie Club compatriot. Organiser David Knott said Lancaster responded well after falling behind Emery.
``He kept his cool to wear Steve down with some brilliant long shots and the odd fluke,' he said.
Lancaster's rapid rise is testament to increasing interest in the sport locally. Knott said because snooker has not enjoyed the same publicity since the Pot Black days, young people simply have not had the same enthusiasm for the sport.
``It's imperative that we have these young ones coming through and doing well,' he said.
``There's about a dozen more potential players coming through and training at the moment.'
While the next generation of local talent matures it is up to Greg to continue carrying the torch, starting with next month's season-ending event in Taradale.