AN UNCLE from Poole is coming to terms with the harsh reality of life on the amateur snooker circuit just as his eight-year-old nephew is starting to dazzle on the green baize.

Work commitments and a lack of financial backing have forced Bradley Chappell to decline a spot on a national tour for the country’s top 48 under-21 players.

But there are no such concerns for his nephew Connor Shaw, who is knocking balls in for fun.

The pint-sized potter made a remarkable 27 break at the age of seven against Mark Wells, who runs the Saturday morning junior Cuestars Section at the Greenbaize Snooker Club, Bournemouth.

And the longest trip the Haymoor Middle School pupil has made was at the weekend – from his home in Poole to the Greenbaize for his debut on the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Bronze Tour, just a month after his eighth birthday.

Wells said: “I think he’s got a lot of potential and, if he really takes to the game, he could certainly be a star of the future.”

Meanwhile, Chappell has turned down his place on the EASB Premier Junior Tour, which could have led to selection for the England team and qualification for European and world under-21 tournaments.

The 19-year-old, who recently compiled a personal best 141 total clearance at Newton Conservative Club, said a new job and no sponsor has restricted his practice time. And tournaments taking place over two days, with a couple of nights in a hotel, are certainly out of the question.

Reflecting on his nephew’s introduction to the game at the age of seven, Chappell said: “He stood and held the cue without really being told how to.

“He just started potting the odd ball that he probably shouldn’t be able to at that age.”

Chappell began his snooker career at the age of 10. He turns out for Branksome & Upper Parkstone Conservative Club in the Greene King Snooker League.

His coach is the experienced Roy Chisholm, who helped Cliff Thorburn win the 1980 World Championship.

Chisholm, who has also spent some time with Shaw, said: “I think Connor could be a good player. He has a good cue action for an eight-year-old. He has a lot of potential and retains information. You don’t have to tell him twice to do something.

“Bradley, meanwhile, has the potential to be very good player.”

Chappell, who reached the final in the latest Cuestars event on Sunday, said: “I wouldn’t be playing the way I am without Roy’s help.

“I’m also excited to see how he can help Connor at such a young age. I wish I had known him when I was eight.”

Potential sponsors can contact Chappell on 07904 953493.