NORTH Yorkshire teenager Tom Harris can now claim that he has something in common with snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan.

The day before world champion O'Sullivan rocketed to a 10-1 victory over luckless Ken Doherty in the UK Championship final at York's Barbican Centre, 16-year-old Harris coasted to victory on the same table that the big final was played on.

Harris, representing Harrogate's Manhattan Club, eased to a 3-0 win over York's Gary Rogers in the amateur challenge final.

After winning the first frame 53-30 he came from behind to win the second 43-40 by potting the pink and black.

Although billiards pro Rogers made a 31 break in the third frame Harris took it 78-47 when Rogers conceded on the pink.

"The table was very fast," Harris remarked after his triumph, for which he won a snooker cue signed by the top players, plus tickets for the final of the UK championships.

Meanwhile, some of the top-flight players who have been in York for the UK event are extending their stay in Yorkshire.

O'Sullivan, former world and UK champion John Higgins, Scottish star Alan McManus plus Yorkshire's own star Paul Hunter are all scheduled to play at the Northern Snooker Centre, Kirkstall Road, Leeds tonight.

They are playing an exhibition competition, 'The Eliminator', starting at 7.30pm.

The night is being organised by World Snooker as part of their initiative aimed at increasing participation levels and raising playing standards within snooker.

Free coaching and snooker activities for all start at 4pm, with a team of professional coaches including Ian Williamson, from Leeds, and Harrogate's Steve Prest.

Masters champion Paul Hunter, who hails from Leeds, will present prizes to winners and achievers.

Places are limited and those intending to go along should get there early.

Updated: 12:15 Tuesday, December 18, 2001