GWENT could be on the verge of boasting the world's youngest professional snooker player - if Cwmbran star David Donovan (pictured) can pot his way to glory at Prestatyn this weekend.

The cue sensation is agonisingly close to reaching his dream of a place on the pro-tour and if all goes to plan this weekend the 16-year-old will join the illustrious ranks of Mark Williams, Stephen Hendry and world champion Peter Ebdon on the circuit.

One man who is confident the young prodigy can sink that winning black is former Welsh world champion Terry Griffiths as David's mum Loriane explained.

"Terry has always kept his eye on David and said he has the talent to make it. He has even told his coach Neil Tompkins that players underestimate his ability to always come back from the brink of defeat. It's just very nerve wracking for me," Loriane joked.

And the Gwent ace is on his way to the World Under-21 Snooker Championships in Latvia in August.

Donovan the Wales under-18 champion and No 1 rated junior, qualified the hard way in finishing third at the Welsh Under-21 Championships at the weekend.

In his semi-final he went out 2-1 to eventual champion David John of Bridgend, though Donovan should have won.

With three to go to the world championships it left Donovan facing a play-off with Llanelli's Stephen Ellis.

Again he lost the first frame, but again he hit back to take the next two to make it through. This coming weekend Donovan is among 16 juniors competing at Prestatyn in an event from which the winner will qualify to join the professional tour ranks.