Joshua Hands reigns supreme as Pockets Junior Championship #2 victor in an enthralling match against New Zealand’s Blake Burnard. Josh showed composure beyond his years to overcome an ever-improving Blake Burnard in a final that showcased two of Oceania’s emerging stars.
The Queenslander, driven by his win in Championship 2 qualified top of the group after the round robin on Saturday. Blake was one step behind him qualifying 2nd. Josh’s path to the final saw him overcome Ciaran Dempsey (younger brother of Pro Series player, Sean Dempsey) and Queensland’s Kevin Fretwell. Blake had a win against Lucas Fenech before he managed to turn the tables on Joseph Evans, who eliminated him in Championship 1.
Joshua’s feat of back-to-back Junior Championship wins matches Sean Dempsey in the 2022 Junior Series, who was awarded a Wild Card into the 2023 Pro Series following this achievement. No doubt Josh will be on the Pockets Sports team radar for 2024 having replicated Sean’s feat.
The 3rd and final Junior Championship and Junior Workshop run by our Pro Series players is on the 24th and 25th of June with entries open to all Juniors.
