So, how good is Shane Castle? Now’s your chance to find out.

Shane missed out on Michael White’s world record by 81 days when he scored a 101 break in a tournament in Rushden, aged nine. In February this year he was crowned Pontin’s Star of the Future Under-12 champion, aged ten.

In this week’s Chandler’s Ford SC £1,000 Under-21 Roll-Up, Shane beat EASB Premier Junior Tour players Dan Hildyard and Alex Dunkley both 3-0, and off scratch.

And now with his coach Dave Mumford having passed the World Snooker Association Grade A coaching exams, the sky is the limit for the South’s hottest young talent.

Shane competes in the Chandler’s Ford SC £1,000 Under-21 Roll-Up, a best-of-five scratch knockout with a best-of-three Plate every Saturday from 1pm until about 6pm.

We are privileged to be watching history being made.

Other regulars include: Hildyard, Dunkley, Pontin’s Spring Festival Under-16 champion Billy Castle and a smattering of EASB Southern Regional Junior Tour youngsters.

The top 15 at the end of 20 weeks share £1,000.

Reports are carried in the Southern Daily Echo every week.

Chandler’s Ford is situated just off the M3 between Southampton and Winchester.

The new series starts August 9. For details contact Jim Everett 02380 254834.

Tim Dunkley (World Snooker Association coach)

Whilst at Chandlers Ford Friday night playing a friendly game with my brother we were distracted by this young lad playing at the table next to us, a 76, 106 (missed the pink but carried on to a 141 finish) and 107 break later we had to go and find out - sure enough it was Shane Castle.. Unbelievable player, very natural.

Defiantly a name to watch out for in years to come, going to ask if he fancies a frame next time we see him - something to tell the grand kids we think