16-year-old German cue sensation Felix Vogel wins first Saudi Junior Championship

German cue prodigy Felix Vogel has become the first winner of the inaugural Saudi Junior Championship final after defeating Ukraine’s Ivan Rudenko 9-4 at the Green Halls in Jeddah on Friday. (Supplied)

• ‘Unbelievable feeling to have won,’ victor says after defeating Ukraine’s Ivan Rudenko
• New invitational event dedicated to promoting sport’s fastest-rising players

JEDDAH: German cue prodigy Felix Vogel has become the first winner of the inaugural Saudi Junior Championship final after defeating Ukraine’s Ivan Rudenko 9-4 at the Green Halls in Jeddah on Friday.
Running on the sidelines of the 2024 World Pool Championship, the Saudi Junior Championship is destined to pave the way for several future world-class players in the years ahead, said a media statement on Saturday.
Commenting on his victory, the 16-year-old Vogel said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling to have won this event. Playing against some of the very best young players from different parts of the world this week has been an honor, and I just feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to play here and win.
“I knew I was getting close to the finishing line, so I tried not to think about it too much and remained very focused toward the end. I managed to get there — and I’d just like to thank everyone who has made this possible. I’m absolutely delighted.”
A new invitational event, the Saudi Junior Championship is dedicated to promoting some of the sport’s fastest-rising players, providing a unique platform for them to gain experience and compete against the most skilled young amateur players tipped to reach the international pro ranks.
In partnership with the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation, Ministry of Sport, and Matchroom Multi-Sport, the Saudi Junior Championship will feature alongside the World Pool Championship each year for the next decade with more local and international players certain to compete in 2025.