by Marc Higginson BOLTON schoolboy Zac Barton is right on cue to be a snooker star of the future after a brace of tournament victories in recent weeks.
The 14-year-old, who attends Turton High School, is celebrating after winning the North West Under-16s tournament hot on the heels of success in the Blackpool under-21 plate.
It’s a rapid rise to the top for Barton, who only started playing two years ago. He had previously played pool for three years at the Royal Oak in Bradshaw before its closure.
He currently plays for Bolton Snooker Club in the local leagues, with a handicap of 10, and practises at Bradshaw Conservative Club.
His highest break in practice is 136, and 85 in a match.
Barton is so dedicated to the sport that he uses the tables at Bradshaw at 5am every morning for three hours before school, and then returns to the club after school.
Walkden’s Craig Steadman, one of the best amateur players in the country, has spent time helping Barton with his game, while former professional Jim Meadowcroft is the youngster’s coach.
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