Saltcoats: Snooker star Sophie Nix wins first under 21 title

Fourth year Ardrossan Academy pupil Sophie Nix picked up her first victory on the under 21 World Women's Snooker Tour.

Sophie triumphed in the 2023 Eden Women's Masters knockout tournament, held in Coulsdon just south of London, from November 17-19.

As well as climbing up the overall world rankings courtesy of the victory, the win also saw Sophie rise to number two in the World under 21 women's rankings.

It was a hard fought victory for Sophie, who had to come through a tight match against Ellise Scott to earn her place in the showpiece final.

She then overcame the top ranked under 21 player in the world, Zoe Kellington, to win the final by two frames to one.

It was third time lucky for the Three Towns youngster in under 21 finals, having just missed out at last year's Scottish and British Open events.

The final saw her defeat the same opponent who had knocked her out of the Eden Masters in the quarter-final stage back in 2021.

READ MORE: Meet the 14-year-old Saltcoats girl taking the women's snooker world by storm

The victory may also help pave the way for Sophie to top the under 21 rankings over the remaining course of the season.

She is currently just 7,350 points behind Kellington in the standings. However, Sophie has only 3,150 points to defend throughout the rest of the season, compared to 10,800 for the current number one.

Her rise in the overall world rankings sees Sophie edge ever closer to her ultimate career goal - moving into the top four and becoming a professional player.

The youngster has been boosted by more than just the victory recently.

Shortly after the tournament's conclusion - Sophie was selected as one of 12 junior international players to be part of Stephen Feeney’s junior elite squad.

Feeney will be able to impart incredible knowledge, as the current coach of three of the greatest snooker players of all time - Mark Williams, Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

The Saltcoats teen already boasts an impressive career to date, and we're certain there is plenty more to come.

In light of the victory, Sophie also passed on thanks her coach Allan Duffy and The Nonsuch Bar in Saltcoats, where she trains.

At that very bar, Allan - a registered coach with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association - first noted Sophie's talents, and has since taken her under his wing and helped guide her career.

Sophie says she is grateful for their support as she builds her career in the game.

Next up for the teenager is a trip to Albania for the WSF Junior Snooker Championships - where the best young snooker players in the world, both male and female, will be competing for the title.