The U-21 European Championship came to a close yesterday with 18-year-old Darryl Hill claiming the title after beating young Englishman Louis Heathcote 6-3 in the final at the Dolmen Hotel, Qawra.

Born in Leeds but representing the Isle of Man, the small territory of 80,000 inhabitants between England and Ireland, Hill showed great qualities and deserved to win the decisive match, bringing joy to the city of Douglas, capital of the island.

Hill is one to watch for the future. He has a table at home and had his mother, Jane, always in the stands of the Dolmen to support him.

The successor of Oliver Lines as European champion won €1000 but, most important, Hill will be able to play in the World Snooker Main Tour, among the professionals, for the next two seasons.

“I thought about winning, in secret. I thought it might be my chance. I’m very happy and I want to thank all, especially to my father, Jez, and my mother, Jane,” he said.

“It’s a great feeling know I’ll be playing in the Main Tour for the next two years. And now I can meet my idol, Neil Robertson.

“I dedicate this European title to my coach Mel Quine, who died three years ago. Wherever he is, I’m sure he is smiling.”

Heathcote also drew the attention of those present this week at the Dolmen as he made his way to the final in style, also eliminating Malta’s Brian Cini in the last eight.

However, this time he had to settle for the runner-up spot and €500 as a consolation prize for his efforts.

From the 87 players that competed last weekend (92 have made their inscription, but four of them gave up at last minute), Hill is last man standing after 258 matches and a total 1,026 frames (731 frames in group phase, round-robin stage).

A total of 97.852 points were scored until the final (68.4 points in group phase) in this U-21 Euro Championship played on 15 tables.