Lithuania’s 15-year-old rising star Ąžuolas Tadaravičius captured his maiden junior title on the World Nineball Tour after a dominant 9-3 victory over two-time champion Jack Beggs in the NXT GEN London final.
Tadaravičius produced a composed and clinical performance to defeat one of the junior circuit’s most successful players, securing the biggest win of his young career and lifting the NXT GEN London trophy in style.
The victory serves as redemption for the Lithuanian youngster, who came agonisingly close to claiming a title earlier this season before finishing runner-up at NXT GEN Sarajevo. This time, Tadaravičius made sure there would be no repeat heartbreak, capping off an impressive week with a commanding display in the final.
Alongside the title, Tadaravičius earns 2,500 ranking points and moves to the summit of the NXT GEN rankings, strengthening his position as one of the brightest prospects in junior pool.
Reflecting on his breakthrough success, Tadaravičius said: “I’m incredibly happy to win my first NXT GEN title. It’s a special moment for me, especially after coming so close in Sarajevo earlier this year. That result motivated me to work even harder and come back stronger.
“To win the title against Jack makes it even more memorable. He’s a great player and a good friend, but whenever we play each other we both want to win. We push each other to be better, and I’m really pleased with how I performed in the final.
“I still have another year on the NXT GEN circuit, but my goal is to keep developing my game and compete regularly in the main World Nineball Tour events. That’s where I want to be, and this win gives me a lot of confidence for the future.”
The triumph marks a significant milestone in Tadaravičius’ career and underlines his growing reputation on the international stage. Having turned disappointment into success, the Lithuanian teenager now heads the NXT GEN rankings and will look to carry his momentum into the remainder of the season as he continues his rise through the World Nineball Tour ranks.