Snooker star Archie pots at pace while facing UK’s best

JERSEY’S snooker phenomenon, Archie Greier, has certainly been busy lately, playing against some of the UK’s top talents in two competitions last week.

The 12-year-old cueist first played in Reading’s Snooker 900 doubles event alongside fellow Jerseyman and 2018 World Senior Snooker Champion Aaron Canavan, before then heading off to Newbury to compete in the Joe Perry U21 Super Series.

Snooker 900 doubles

Snooker 900 is a fast-paced variation of the game that uses a fixed time limit of 15 minutes/900 seconds per frame (hence the name) with a 20-second shot clock applied throughout. To add to the pressure, a ball must either be potted or make contact with a cushion on every shot, otherwise a foul will be called – and with ball-in-hand all over the table being used, that’s a game-changer.

Following a couple of hours’ practice and a quick rest following all the travel, Greier and Canavan prepared themselves to face Phil O’Kane and Zach Richardson in the night’s third fixture. With Greier having played a Junior 900 event in the past, the Caesarean was aware of what to expect.

Unfortunately for the duo, it simply wasn’t meant to be, as they fell to their opponents 1-0.
O’Kane and Richardson proved to be fierce adversaries in the speedy format, blazing through the knock-out stages to eventually win the competition, putting together an explosive century break in the final to win in style.

Although the Islanders may have made an early exit, things seemed to brighten up by the end, as the young star proceeded to pot the ‘golden shot’ and win the £250 prize. From inside the “D”, Greier had to pot the blue ball – placed on its spot – into a top-corner pocket, which he successfully completed to prompt an atmospheric reaction from the crowds. He also was interviewed in front of the cameras alongside fellow junior player Freddie Smith to add another memorable moment in his young career.

Joe Perry U21 Super Series

There wasn’t much time to rest for the youngster, as Greier then travelled to Newbury Crucible Sports & Social Club, where he competed in his first-ever Joe Perry U21 Super Series event. With the series’ main prize being £600 worth of funding towards a Q School place, which could seal players a spot on the professional tour, some of the most promising young talent came out to compete – making for tough competition.

As the youngest competitor in attendance on the day, with the next youngest player being 14 years old, this marked a big step up for the Jerseyman.

Facing such a high standard of play meant that Greier was being punished for every single error he made, making for a tough day at the office as he lost all five of his matches.

Archie Greier (right) alongside doubles partner and 2018 World Senior Snooker Champion Aaron Canavan, who also acts as his mentor/coach

It wasn’t all bad, however, as Father Howard Greier commented on his son’s experience: “The competition was very tough for Archie (Greier), especially since this was his first time competing in such an event. These players just had a lot of quality – they really did punish him for any mistake.

“I have to say I’m really proud and impressed with how he dealt with defeat – he had such a good attitude. Win or lose, he always wants to stick around and see how all the matches play out, always keen to watch good players and learn.

“It’s still early days for Archie, and he’s only going to get better. Losing has only got him to get all fired up to improve, already getting back to winning ways against local opposition the other night.”

What’s next?

Greier’s busy schedule continues through to this week, as the Islander is set to compete in the South’s second stage of the PowerGlide English Under-14 Championship. With a spot in the grand-final up for grabs down the line against the top player from the North, this marks a big opportunity for Greier to boost his profile this early in his career.

Howard Greier didn’t forget to show appreciation to those who have supported his son’s journey, adding: “We really appreciate the support we’ve received from Jersey Sport, Le Gallais & Luce, Summit Group CI and Ambivo conservatories – without their support, all this wouldn’t be possible.

“We also have to show appreciation to Le Rocquier School who have been really supportive in approving Archie’s time off, while also ensuring he’s keeping up to date with his school work.”

Links to check out, both on the Snooker Legends Facebook page:

Archie Greier’s Golden Shot: facebook.com/reel/870149862502273

Archie Greier’s interview: facebook.com/reel/941749255699066