A Glasgow teenager has been touted as the 'next John Higgins' after his snooker U21 European Championship triumph in Malta.
Liam Graham, 18, now has his eyes set on the pro tour after he secured a spot following his competition win on March 12.
He first picked up a cue at the age of nine and has never looked back, after unexpectedly falling in love with the sport.
Liam told Glasgow Live: "My grandad and dad both play lawns bowls.
"My mum made them take me one day just to get me out of the house. When we got there they put me in the wee snooker room and I fell in love with it.
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"As soon as I had one go of it I just wanted to play all the time. I wouldn't be here if they didn't put me in that room. I never thought I was going to turn pro at that age, I just enjoyed playing.
"It wasn't until the age of 14 that I thought that I could do this at a pro level."
During his first year in the sport, he took part in his first under-16 tournament in Dumfries, which he went on to win.
Going into the European Championship's the Clarkston teen was one of the favourites, however, he was battling with illness throughout the competition.
The snooker champion said: "I ended up being very unwell during it, I had food poisoning.
"I was sick during the knockout stages, at that stage, I thought I could be out at any moment.
"I felt worse while playing at some stages. Toward the end of the day, I started to feel a little bit better. I just kept getting through and sneaking past everybody."
The 18-year-old went on to lift the trophy after taking on eight opponents. Liam defeated Ukrainian Iulian Boiko by five frames to two in the final
The teen explained: "It was like every emotion wrapped into one.
"There was joy, happiness, and relief. It was a life goal to get to a pro-level, that's all I've wanted. Having my dad there was really emotional.
"He was in tears of happiness and couldn't believe that I had made it."
Not only does his victory in Malta see him come home with silverware but he was handed a coveted pro tour card.
Following the important win he received a text from world number three Mark Allen congratulating him on the massive achievement.
The snooker prodigy said: "I can now play in all world snooker events.
"I will be a pro, ranked player for at least two years, and it could be longer if I can break into the top 64.
"I've got the World Championship qualifiers on April 3 and 4 so that is my focus right now. You dream of things like this.
"The ultimate goal for me is to be the number one and a World Champion. I also want to be a multi-time ranked event winner.
"I would just love to be the best player in the entire world. This goal is only realistic if I can make it happen and I dedicate myself to what I need to do.
"Joining the pro tour is the first step and is where the hard work begins. It's a huge step up from what I'm used to."
The teen could now face the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, and Mark Selby in future bouts.
He hopes his tremendous rise through the juniors can inspire other youngsters to pick up a snooker cue. The 18-year-old believes that the sport helps kids develop social skills and maturity.
Liam said: "Your socialising with people who are older than you, so you grow up fast. I was like a 20-year-old by the time I was 10.
"I've made friends through playing snooker. One of my best mates, Dean Young, is also a professional snooker player.
"It's the kind of game you look at and wonder what it is. But once you play it, you can't help but love it because it is so interesting.
"There's no stopping you because anybody can play it. There is no physical barrier between anybody in the sport."
The European champion's coaches, Lee Walker and Noel Flannery, think the Clarkston teenager won't just be the best player in the country but could be one of the biggest names in the game globally.
Noel said: "For Scotland, I think we could have the next John Higgins on our hands that's for sure.
"He has the potential to be a multiple World Champion in the professional game.
"This is just the start but it's not a massive surprise. He has been working so hard for this."
Liam can be found at the tables in Glasgow's Q Club where he plays for six to eight hours a day to maintain his sharpness.
Manager, Rashid Baig, says the youngster will be another of the big names that have walked into the St George's Road venue.
He said: "Before Liam, there was John Higgins and Stephen Hendry practising in here.
"To see someone from this club turn pro is massive for us. He has every ability to become world champion.
"I have always said to him that I will see his face lifting that trophy one day."
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