A FIVE-YEAR-OLD snooker prodigy this evening (Thursday, January 22) joined forces with six-time world champion Steve Davis to take on Jimmy ‘The Whirlwind’ White.

Beau Thirsk joined the two snooker greats to play one frame of doubles during The Snooker Legends event in Spennymoor, County Durham - despite it being way past his bedtime!

The youngster, from Belmont, Durham, teamed up with Davis - fresh from I'm A Celebrity...Get me Out Of Here! - but the pair narrowly lost their exhibition frame against White and a selected member from the crowd at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

Despite only picking up a cue two years ago, left hander Beau remained calm despite the legends' presence and managed to pot a few reds along with a black.

A pupil at St Joseph’s RCVA Primary School, Gilesgate, he practices at Toddy’s snooker hall, Chester-le-Street.

He has already played against Davis once before as well as world number five Stephen Maguire.

His dad, Jonny Thirsk, said: “We are very proud of him. He took it in his stride and was laughing and joking on with them and looking like a real professional.

"He did very well considering it was way past his 6.40pm bedtime. He didn't get on until after 9pm so he must have been tired and there was a big crowd watching." 

“He really enjoyed himself and potted some balls.”

Jimmy White, the 2010 World Seniors Champion, said: “I’ve seen Beau play and he pots some great balls. For his age group he is very good.

“I was a boy wonder at 13 and hopefully he can copy me as he looks like he has been playing all of his life.”

The leisure centre hosted Peter Ebdon and John Higgins for a Premier League Snooker competition in 2012 and the latest legends challenge was a sell-out.

Mark Lee, leisure centre manager, said: “It’s great news that we have been able to bring these players to the North-East.

“We have also heard lots about Beau and it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

“It’s good to have someone who is local playing who, hopefully, has a future in the game and we hope to see him play again.”

The snooker legends match also featured commentator and former player John Virgo and professional referee Michaela Tabb.