ANTHONY Rice returned to the scene of his greatest green baize triumph and picked up another piece of “unexpected” silverware.

The 20-year-old from Fordingbridge insisted girlfriend Steph has been partially responsible for his recent good form.

Last month, Rice won the final EASB Regional Junior Tour event of the season at Jesters Snooker Club, Swindon, to earn promotion to the national under-21 circuit.

And now he has claimed the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Gold Tour Championship on the same tables.

“I’m delighted but it was unexpected,” he said. “I’ve had some really unexpected results recently.

“It’s been unbelievable really. I haven’t been practising due to having a job, exams and meeting a lovely girl.”

Rice, who finished sixth in the Cuestars rankings, progressed through the group stages at the end-of-season finale and beat Callum Browne (Trowbridge) and Aidan Murphy (Bristol) by 2-0 scorelines in the knockout before edging Bradley Cowdroy (Bournemouth) 2-1 in the final.

It was Rice’s fifth regional tournament win and a fourth at Jesters. He won his first Gold Tour ranking event in 2014 and a second following a “desperate” two-year wait.

His only other success was on the Regional Junior Tour in Coulsdon last season.

“I’ve only ever won a tournament at one other club,” he said. “Maybe it’s horses for courses. I think it’s just made me believe I can win again.”