EASTLEIGH’S budding snooker star Luke Beebe had four reasons to be cheerful after a remarkable two days on the green baize.

A third successive tournament win on the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Bronze Tour circuit virtually secured the 12-year-old a first regional title.

Beebe overcame fellow Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club member Connor Benzey 2-0 in the final of the sixth leg at Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon.

Making only his second appearance on the tour, Benzey, the 12-year-old son of the 2001 Town Champion Mark Benzey, lost the second frame on the black after leading by 40 points.

Beebe, now 30 points ahead of second- placed Ollie Gibbs (Gosport), is hot favourite to claim the rankings title with two events to play in Fareham, next month, and Salisbury, in May. Winners of each tournament receive 25 points.

Beebe beat seventh-placed Sam Warren (Hamble) in the quarter-finals and Lee Fitzpatrick (Totton), making the last-four again in only his second appearance, both 2-0.

The previous day, Beebe defeated defending champion Mickey Joyce (Basingstoke) on a re-spotted black to win the one frame needed to clinch a third Eastleigh & District Under-13 Premier crown.

Two hours later, he secured runners- up spot in the Under-18 Premier on frames won behind runaway champion Austen Petty.

And, in the afternoon, the Crestwood College pupil cued up for the biggest pay day of his two-year career. He pocketed £250 for finishing top of the 26-week Open Series at his home club.

“It was a good day,” admitted Beebe, who is now targeting a fourth Under- 13 title before his 13th birthday in July.

Dad Mark said: “It was a fantastic weekend.”

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