Pool prodigy Hasan Ali is proving a real wizard on the green baize – at the age of just nine, writes RUSSELL SMITH.

The Cowley youngster only picked up a cue in April this year, but he is already beating lads twice his age.

In the recent Oxfordshire Youth Series at Rileys Pool Snooker & Poker Club in Oxford, Hasan defeated three county youth players on his way to the semi-finals.

And his challenge was only brought to an end with a 3-1 defeat by England Under 19 ace and eventual winner Jamie Saczuk.

Proud dad Altaf Ali, who has had an extension built at his home to house a pool table for Hasan, said: “He only started playing in April this year and all of a sudden everyone is telling me your son is really good.

“They say he is the best youngster they have seen.”

Hasan, who attends St Christopher’s Primary School, will be hoping to earn a county call-up next year.

And looking further ahead, he plans to transfer his skills to the snooker table as he gets taller.

In the meantime, Hasan, who will be in action at an in-house tournament at Rileys today, is keen to attract sponsorship to help him fulfill his dream.

Anyone interested in supporting him should email hurricanehasan@live.co.uk.