Talented young player tipped for a big break (From The Northern Echo)

Talented young player tipped for a big break

9:30am Thursday 11th September 2008 in News By David Roberts , Chief Reporter (Darlington)

A YOUNG snooker player has been tipped for great things by a professional coach who has worked with a former world champion.

The man who coaches 13-yearold Nev Graham has said he is one of the most naturally talented players he has worked with.

The youngster, from Barton, near Darlington, regularly takes on adult players and has won a number of trophies at his local club.

He is now working to improve his game with coach Jim Donnelly, from Scotland, who has worked with former world champion John Higgins.

Nev’s mother, Elizabeth, said: “John has said a lot of the players he works with will be great club players, but Nev has a real natural ability and definitely could go all the way.

“He’s gone so far with his game and needed some more help, so now Jim comes down from Scotland to help him.”

In his short time playing, Nev, whose favourite player is Ronnie O’Sullivan, has amassed over 30 trophies.

He ranks playing against Steve Davis in a charity frame as one of the greatest moments of his playing career so far.

The Richmond School pupil gave the snooker legend a run for his money, only losing by 40 points to 60.

Naturally, Nev hopes to become a professional player when he leaves school.

He said: “I’m going to go to Scotland to take part in a lot of bigger tournaments.

“I have to make quite a few sacrifices, I’m not able to get out as much because I have to practise.

“The best trophy I won was the Coaching Cup at Darlington Snooker Club.

“It’s set over a year and you play every week. All the points are added up and the player with the most points at the end of the year wins the cup.

“I also take part in a competition every week at Hartlepool, which includes a number of pros and I’ve made it through to the third round of that before.”

Anyone who can offer Nev sponsorship can contact 01325-377396.