HE is a snooker prodigy who has just become one of the youngest players to pot a century break.

Nine-year-old Shane Castle confirmed his status as one of the most exciting talents in the country by compiling a break of 101 during a practice match.

Only one other player - Michael White, from Wales, who is now 16 and recently made his professional debut - has put together a three-figure score at such a tender age.

Even Shane's hero, twice world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, had to wait until he was ten before his first century in a competitive match.

Now Shane, from Marchwood, intends to go one better than Rocket Ronnie' and achieve his first tournament ton before his tenth birthday in January.

"I want to be a professional by the time I'm 15," he said.

Shane has been coached by former Daily Echo champion Dave Mumford at Chandler's Ford Snooker Club since he began playing, aged seven.

Dave, 40, said: "Shane's progress has been phenomenal. We've got a unique talent on our hands. He hardly needs any advice, he's got a very level head on his shoulders and it's very hard not to build him up while he's writing his own record books.

"He's a joy to watch and to coach. I never have to show him how to play a certain shot more than twice and he's got a real flair about him.

"But it's not the big breaks that I first noticed, it's the composure he has at the table that marks him out as something special."

Shane balances school work - he is currently being taught at home - with 25 hours a week at the snooker table, including eight hours every Saturday and competitive matches.

Dave added: "It's early days but Shane has a lot of good people around him. We do all we can to keep his feet on the ground."

Shane already has a sponsorship deal with Andover-based insurance brokers Oliver and Sanders, where Dave is a company director.

Dad Jeffrey, 40, said: "We're very proud of Shane. He just gets better and better."