November 21st 2024.
Jackson Page was thrown into the deep end when he made his debut in York as a 16-year-old, facing off against the legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan. It was an exhilarating and nerve-wracking experience for the young schoolboy, playing in front of a packed house against one of the greatest icons of the sport. Although he was ultimately defeated 6-3, Page left a lasting impression on O'Sullivan, who was impressed by his talent and cool temperament.
After seven years, Page has finally secured his spot at the Barbican for the UK Championship. In the years since his debut, he has enjoyed some notable wins in qualifying rounds, including a 6-4 victory over fellow countryman Jamie Clarke and a dominant 6-2 win against Iran's Hossein Vafaei. As he prepares to return to the main stages of the tournament, Page can't help but reminisce about his first encounter with O'Sullivan and the unforgettable atmosphere at the York venue.
"I really like York as a venue, it's a lovely place," Page reflected. "I remember my first time here at 16, playing against Ronnie in a packed arena. It was quite the experience." Despite his loss, Page was greeted by a crowd of fans looking for autographs, which was a surreal and exciting moment for the young player. "As a 16-year-old, it was a bit overwhelming, but I loved it. I can't wait to be back."
This year, O'Sullivan defeated Page 10-1 at the World Championship, but the Welshman remains grateful for the opportunity to have faced off against one of his idols. "It was a great experience. I was just a kid back then, and even though I lost, I still had fans waiting for me after the match. It was a reminder of how special this sport is."
Since turning professional in 2019, Page admits that he hasn't quite reached the level of success he had hoped for. However, this season has shown promising results, with Page reaching his first ranking final at the Championship League and a quarter-final at the International Championship. He is determined to build on these achievements and establish himself as a top player in the sport.
"I've been a bit disappointed with my performance in the past few years, but I'm hoping to turn things around now," Page shared. "I think many players can relate to that feeling, especially when you were so dominant as a junior. But now that I'm on the tour, it's a different game. It's all about hard work and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way."
Despite the challenges, Page remains optimistic and passionate about the sport. "Snooker is the greatest sport in the world, and I wouldn't want to be doing anything else," he said with a smile. "I just have to keep working hard and stay focused. When the results come, it makes all the hard work worth it."
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