His promise was evident when he started playing on a pool table his dad built. By the time he was ten, Peter Devlin began to master the skills to become a top snooker player.

Then he won praise most would-be snooker stars could only dream of, with arguably the most gifted player the sport has ever seen singling him out as a true talent.

Ronnie O’Sullivan watched him play and described him as ‘extremely talented’.

His coach has vowed to help Peter become one of the game’s greats.

Josh Raja said: “His hand eye co-ordination is incredible, but he just has a natural talent for the game. I have coached a lot of young players but I think Peter is the best.

“He can go very far and I would not be surprised to see him win several world championships and even beat Stephen Hendry’s record of seven.”

Peter has been playing under the guidance of Raja at the Hurricane Snooker Room, in Walthamstow, for four years and has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence.

The young potter has won several tournaments in his young career, including the prestigious Upton Park Classic.

The weekly-held handicapped tournament is one of the longest running snooker events in Essex and attracts the top local youngsters and leading adults from the area.

The 14-year-old starts many frames 23 points behind his opponent because of the handicap but thinks it improves his game, having to constantly come from behind.

Raja said although many players have the talent to play snooker, Devlin has the character needed to become a top player.

The 14-year-old was one of the few players at the Upton Park Classic to come from outside the club and had to play against the crowd as well as his opponent in the final.

Speaking about his win, Peter said: “It was a really boisterous atmosphere and people kept making comments to try and put me off my game.

“I found it hard to concentrate but I managed to win the final, it was one of the best victories I think I have had so far.”

“I enter a lot of competitions and have to face adults and people that are older than me.

“I do not think the adults like being beaten by someone younger than them but as long as I think I have played well I don’t mind.”

Devlin has already followed in the footsteps of O’Sullivan by winning at Upton Park.

The young potter said while his favourite player is O’Sullivan, he also admires Stephen Hendry.

He said: “I have always watched snooker on the TV ever since I was young.

“I have always liked Ronnie [O’Sullivan] but as I have become a player I have began to look up to Stephen Hendry for his match play.

“But I just want to become the best player in the world.”