Ben Mertens
-
Title
2022 European Under-21 Champion -
Nationality
Belgian -
Turned Pro
2022 -
Highest Tournament Break
136 -
Location
Westrem, Belgium -
D.O.B
13 October 2004 -
Money List Earnings
£27,000 -
Nickname
The Boy Wonder
Best ranking event performance: Last 16
Career highlights:
2018: Wins the world under-16 title, beating Aaron Hill in the final.
2019: Makes his debut in a televised match at the Shoot Out and beats James Wattana. Represents Belgium alongside Luca Brecel in the World Cup in China, playing televised matches against the likes of John Higgins and Ding Junhui. They top their group before losing in the quarter-finals.
2020: Age just 15, becomes the youngest player ever to win a match in the World Championship (a record beaten by Liam Davies in 2022) with a 6-2 victory over James Cahill. He then leads Sam Baird 4-2 in the second qualifying round but loses 6-4. Reaches the semi-finals of both the European Under-18 and Under-21 Championships.
2022: Reaches the final round of Q School before losing 4-2 to Zak Surety. Turns professional for the first time after winning the European Under-21 Championship, beating Florian Nuessle 5-1 in the final to earn a two-year tour card.
2023: Enjoys a fine run to the last 16 of the Welsh Open, notably knocking out David Gilbert before losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan.