Champion bows out after record haul

6:09am Saturday 22nd March 2008

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"THE tournament will miss me."

They were champion Lee Ashbolt's parting words as he bowed out of the Chandler's Ford £1,000 Under-21 Roll-Up.

A record points total, a record 15 finals and a record ten tournament wins has seen the outspoken 21-year-old from Shirley achieve his dream of a first title.

"I said I was going to win it," he smiled.

"I've worked really hard for it. When I set myself out to do something I always try my absolute best to accomplish it."

Ashbolt, who works at the HSBC and plays number one for Beaulieu & East Boldre in the Southampton Premier Division, joined the competition in January, 2006, and won three of the next four finals.

He lost out on a first title in the final week of series nine but, with a singleminded determination to succeed, committed himself to being crowned champion before reaching the age limit.

"I didn't feel as if I was prepared properly then,"

Ashbolt explained.

"This 20 weeks my mind was focused on one thing. I went to the gym three times a week and practised about five times a week.

"I've loved competing against everyone. I'd like to have defended it.

"I'm going to miss the tournament because I am the most competitive person in the world. It's a shame, but everything comes to an end. The tournament will miss me."