Congratulations to 14 year old Jonas Hager of Sweden who is the SMPT’s Young Player of The Season 2016-17. Jonas, who will be presented with the Ryan O’Neill Award later in the summer, claims the title won last year by Belgium’s Sibe Laureys, by virtue of finishing the season as the highest placed under 18 in the Order of Merit. Sweden’s Victor Andersson was in second position with Alex Kley of England finishing third.

Having made his debut on the Tour in 2012, the last five years have seen Jonas mature both on and off of the mat. Significant milestones in his development included winning the Shield Final at the World Masters 2016, beating his father Joel at the UK Open 2016 and then recording a personal best 6 game unbeaten streak at his last event… a run only brought to an end by multiple World Champion Kevin Conroy.

Jonas has now become the youngest ever player to qualify for the World Cup where he will join forces with Christer Nordin, Magnus Nordin and Jorgen Karlsson at Chelmsford in August.