Moldovan becomes youngest to win a televised ranking event

Vladislav Gradinari beat three-time women’s world champion Ng On Yee in the first round of the Snooker Shoot Out on Thursday.

Gradinari, from Leeds, won the event after making a break of 21 in the one-frame contest.

"It feels amazing, I played my best game. I had some shots and I potted them," he told World Snooker.

The record-breaker moved to England in 2020 and qualified for the tournament after winning an Under-14 event.

"Snooker is not really popular in Moldova, we only have three or four tables there. We are trying to improve the level there.

"I started watching on TV because my mum and grandad watched snooker. I started playing snooker at the age of seven... I am doing everything possible now to become a professional player."

Gradinari is now set to compete in second round in Leicester on Friday.

"I can't wait," he added.