YOUNG snooker star Matthew Laver has been making impressive progress and on Sunday, February 23 he recorded his biggest achievement to date.

This 11-year-old from Barry finished as runner-up in the Welsh U-14s third ranking event of the season, in front of snooker legend Terry Griffiths.

The event took place at Terry Griffiths' Matchroom Club in Llanelli, the current venue for all junior snooker events.

Matthew managed to notch up four notable victories on his way to his first ever final, beating Nathan Edwards 2-0, then brother Dwayne Edwards 2-0, Luke Vokes 2-1, and then Kieron Taylor 2-1 in the semi-final.

Although Matthew lost 3-0 in the final against 13-year-old Darryl Wilson this was a tremendous performance by the youngster, who now looks like finishing in the top five in his first season in the Junior Academy.

Matthew, who first started playing at the age of eight, is coached by local professional Anthony Davies and his progress at such a young age is phenomenal.

He is also a keen footballer and has just finished playing for Pro-Gas Bluebirds U-12s as he wants to concentrate on his snooker.

"I enjoy playing snooker more than anything else. I have been playing on a loft snooker table at home since the age of eight and I just love playing the game", he said.

"I enjoy playing in the tournaments and I would like to be a professional one day when I am older.

I know I will have to keep practising hard, but I really want to do it", he added.

Matthew practises regularly with fellow Barry League players at the Barry Dock Conservative Club in Station Street.

With a highest break of 69 on a full size table at his tender age, there is no doubt that Matthew could go on to be a star for the future.

Matthew is currently looking for a local company to become a sponsor and anyone interested can contact Gaynor Laver, tel 743826, or Phil Laver, mobile 0772 9099950.