Shane Castle joins the Pink Army

HAMPSHIRE'S 13-year-old snooker wonderkid Shane Castle has been snapped up by the same player management company as the legendary Jimmy White.

On Q Promotions agreed a long-term sponsorship deal with the phenomenal teenager from Marchwood, near Southampton, after he beat one of their professionals in a tournament.

However, Castle insisted he was “not playing my best” during the 4-1 victory over Andrew Norman, who rejoins the pro-circuit next season after a one-year absence.

On Q Promotions’ stable of players are dubbed ‘The Pink Army’ because of its chairman Paul Mount’s fundraising for breast cancer charities. 

Picture by Janie Watkins (On Q Promotions): Paul Mount (left) and Shane Castle

White said it was “great” they had recruited Castle.

“I’ve practiced with Shane and he is a real prospect for the future,” said the six-time World Championship finalist. “It’s great that he’s joining the ‘team’.

“I practise in the area (Southampton) every week and will be inviting Shane to practise with me on a regular basis.”

Mount added: “It’s very clear that Shane is an exceptional talent for his age.

“I’m delighted to welcome him to On Q Promotions and the South West Snooker Academy (SWSA).”

Based at Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club, Castle scored the first of his 12 centuries in competition aged nine.

In 2010, aged 12, he was crowned English under-14 champion.

He said: “It’s good being signed up by them and playing good players all the time. You can’t get any better than that.”

As part of the sponsorship deal, Castle will be entered into the Players Tour Championship, a series of 12 professional tournaments across England and the rest of Europe that are also open to amateurs.

Castle had travelled to the SWSA, Gloucester, for the Pink Ribbon Tournament, knowing that World Championship finalist Judd Trump was lying in wait for the winner of his first-round match.

He duly overcame former Welsh under-21 champion Stephen Ellis 4-3 from 3-0 down.

But he then discovered Trump had been replaced in the draw by his Uncle Jamie.

After a 4-0 battering, which included a 95 break, Jamie Trump described his opponent as “different class”.

Castle added an 83 in his remarkable victory over Norman.

He said: “It was the best match I’ve played since I’ve been here. But I’m not playing my best, just good enough to get over the winning line.”

After dispatching Welsh junior international Callum Lloyd 4-3, he was knocked out 4-1 by world number 53 Jimmy Robertson in the last-16.

Castle, who pocketed £200 prize money and was voted the event’s best junior, will have access to former world champion Terry Griffiths, who recently joined On Q Promotions as Director of Coaching.

Dad Jeffery Castle said: “Everything’s looking good, so far.

“Shane can go and see Terry Griffiths whenever he wants.

“I said to Jimmy White ‘what do you reckon about him?’ And he said ‘don’t let anybody mess about with him, just let him carry on with what he’s doing and he’s there’.”