Ukrainian 19-year-old Iulian Boiko has secured a return to the World Snooker Tour, after defeating Oliver Sykes 5-4 to become EBSA European Under 21 Champion.
Boiko, who first turned professional at the age of 14, dropped of the circuit in 2022. Since then he has reached the cusp of a return through Q School, but agonisingly lost in the final round on two occasions.
Today's encounter came down to the wire, but it was Boiko who held his nerve in a final frame decider to deny Sykes his maiden tour card. Boiko earns a minimum of two years in the professional ranks.
Boiko said: "It was a crazy game. It is never easy to get on the tour. I felt calm and controlled at the beginning of the game. Oliver is a great player and he found his game. He was dominant in the frames he won. I don't know where I got the energy from, but I'm glad I did and I'll enjoy being on tour again.
"It is a different game on the tour. You have to be outstanding to stay in the top 64 after two years. Not many can do that. I'll be working hard. I can't celebrate for a long time as I know how difficult it is."