HE’S A TEEN SNOOKER SENSATION ...but everyone’s talking about his beard

TEENAGE snooker sensation Jackson Page has been in the spotlight this week but it seems it’s not just his talent which is attracting attention – his beard has also become a bit of a talking point, too.

The 15-year-old not only competed in the Welsh Open this week but his incredible run saw him win two games, getting through to the third round.

There he was pitted against world number four Judd Trump who he lost to 4-0.

But, while in awe at his skills, it seems the world of social media was also quite impressed about the fact that the teenager, who is currently preparing to sit his GCSEs, sports a full beard.

Comments on Twitter included: “This Jackson Page is the oldestlooking 15-year-old I’ve ever seen! Look at that beard!”, “When a 15-year-old can grow a better beard than you! Outrageous!” and “I wish I could grow decent facial hair like him and I’m 10 years older.”

And it seems it has caused some issues for the sporting youngster himself – especially when it comes to entering certain tournaments.

“The beard started growing when I was 13 and from last year I was shaving quite often,” said Jackson, who takes it all in his stride.

“Everywhere I go people always say I look older.

“When I go to under-16 tournaments people don’t think I should be there. “It doesn’t bother me at all.” Jackson actually doesn’t turn 16 until August 8. And following the biggest tournament of his young career, Jackson was disappointed to go out but pleased with his achievements.

“This was the biggest tournament I have been in by far,” he said.

“It is my first professional tournament, it was unreal and I loved it.

“The first game I was startled a bit and I didn’t play very well but from then I improved and played better.

“Against Judd I didn’t have many opportunities and the ones I did have I didn’t take.

“I didn’t get a chance to speak to him afterwards but I heard he said some quite nice things about me before.”

Jackson hasn’t been short of support, either, with family and friends cheering him on.

“To win two matches was great – friends and family said just to enjoy it.

“I have played all my life, it is what I love to do. My bampi introduced me to it.

“A lot of people have been asking about it this week. When I finished I had lots of Snapchats from friends who had been watching it on a TV at school.”

Jackson pocketed £3,500 in prize money from the contest. He said: “It is going in the bank to pay for my entry into tournaments in the future. I had to miss some amateur tournaments last year be- cause I didn’t have enough money to go there.

“That shouldn’t be a problem now because I got some money from Welsh Snooker and my sponsor Ron Skinner and Son. It will help me prepare for World Championship qualifiers in Sheffield.”

When asked who he compares his style to, Jackson said: “The player I most play like is Ronnie O’Sullivan.

“The way he plays, attacking and fast, is similar to how I play.”