For someone who didn't know which end of the cue to use, Jamie Saczak has made astonishing progress on the pool and snooker tables of Oxfordshire, writes Gordon Rogers.

And now he's earned himself a place in the England squad for the youth world pool championships.

Jamie, 15, from Cumnor Road, Wootton, near Abingdon, has come a long way since his parents bought him a second-hand pool table for his eighth birthday.

His goal is to become a professional player in both games by the age of 20. He said: "It's a big ambition but I enjoy the games so much that I'm determined to make the grade at the professional level."

He said: "I began to play not really knowing which end of the pool cue to use. But I was quick to learn and was soon seeing off all my family and friends."

A chance meeting between his mother Jacqui and Hazel Dabrowski, a former England women's pool player, helped get him where he is today.

He won his first league match for his snooker team at the Oracle Club in Abingdon when he was 11, the youngest ever player to do so for the club.

Four years ago, Jamie formed his own team in the Oxford League, and under his captaincy finished third in Division 5.

He went on to reach the semi-finals of the Didcot League's Under-23 knockout cup.

With his form continuing to flourish he decided it was time to buy a top of the range cue, so he splashed out £542 from his hard-earned savings.

But just when he was potting nearly everything in sight, a freak injury put his playing career in jeopardy.

Last year, while playing table tennis as he cracked his left elbow - his cueing arm - in a collision.

Jamie said: "I needed an operation but somehow recovered in seven weeks to play pool for Oxfordshire."

Last year, he reached the national pool under 16 semi-finals to earn an England trial.

Now he's been selected to play for England under 16s in the World Championships at Bridlington next week.

He said: "I've been practising hard because this is a wonderful opportunity to show what I can do on the international stage..

"I'm more nervous than excited because you don't get so many chances at this level."

Jamie is looking for sponsorship. Those interested should contact him at 01865 730635 or 07754850753 or email timothy@tcrysell.orangehome.co.uk