SNOOKER wonderkid Joe Shannon is set to make his World Tour debut on Wednesday.
The 14-year-old has been drawn to take on world No23 Robert Milkins at the Snooker Shoot Out in Leicester.
The contest is scheduled for a 1:40pm start, and will see Shannon become Ireland‘s youngest ever player to compete at this level.
He will also get his first taste of playing on TV, with the event set to be broadcast live on Eurosport.
Speaking to Irish broadcaster RTE, Shannon revealed his excitement at getting the opportunity to showcase his skills.
He said: “I can’t wait. I got the news a few weeks ago, I’m buzzing to get over and get playing with the professional players. I won the U14 and U16 National Championships so that earned a wild card.
“It’s a great opener to what I want to do [as a career]. It’s all a great experience. There’s no pressure, so I can’t wait for it.
“I just want to get over there, to know what it’s like to be there with the best of the best, but it’s all just experience really.
“I’m more excited now, but I presume when I get over there I’ll be a bit nervous.
“But once I get playing, I’ll be fine. I’m nervous at every competition, but once I get playing, I’m alright.”
Shannon has been coached by former British Open champion Fergal O’Brien for the last two years, and is said to practise for three hours per day.
While discussing his protege’s opportunity in Leicester, O’Brien was full of praise.
He said: “Joe is a very impressive young man, let alone a snooker player.
“He’s had a lot of success already, he works very hard, he is really dedicated. Obviously he has so much to learn.”
O’Brien then offered Shannon a huge compliment, going on to add: “If you take him at 14, he’s a far superior player to me when I was 14. They’re all good signs.”
Shannon will not be the only Irish underage champion to take part in Leicester.
Joel Connolly, 17, is set to be in action and has drawn compatriot Aaron Hill in round one.
The Shoot Out uses a pacey format, with matches taking no more than 10 minutes.
Players have just 15 seconds to play their shot in the first five minutes of each match, and only 10 in the second five.
The likes of Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby and Jimmy White are all set to be in action, as well as reigning champion Mark Allen.
