IT is a game immortalised on the silver screen by Hollywood legends like Paul Newman and Tom Cruise portraying macho men hustling in smoky halls.

But an Abergavenny schoolgirl is a pool-playing prodigy making a clean break with tradition.

She has become the young-est player to represent Wales' women's senior team. Amy Smith, at the age of 12, has not only chalked up a place in the Monmouthshire Ladies' County side, but also the Wales B team.

She has already played at the highest level, representing Wales at the World Championship in Bridling-ton, East Yorkshire, this summer, rubbing shoulders with players from France, Italy and India.

Amy helped Wales rack up the runner-up position after losing out to England for the top spot.

Almost as soon as she could walk, she was holding a pool cue. She said: "It all started when I was about two years old.

"My mum and dad used to play, and my father got me a little cue and got me to practise at my grandfather's pub.

"I used to get loads of practice in and I played my first league match when I was eight.

"Playing in the world championship was a fantastic experience, and the next- youngest players to me were in their twenties. "I wasn't looked down on because of my age, in fact, I was treated really well."

She said her sporting hero is English snooker ace Ronnie O'Sullivan. "I love to watch snooker and O'Sullivan is such an exciting player who pots the ball so quickly," she said.

"I like to watch older players because I can learn new things and trick shots."

And pool really is in the blood for the Smith family, which came out when Amy made bashful mum Lyn admit that she too was selected to play for Wales.

Mrs Smith said: "I was due to play but I was committed to my parents' business at the pub at the time, so I never made it.

"I do look back and wonder what could have happened if I'd given it a shot. "I'm really proud of Amy and what she has achieved.

"Pool is a great way for her and her father, Neil, to spend time together when they play for Abergavenny Labour Club."

And Mrs Smith said Amy, a King Henry VIII Comp-rehensive School pupil, does not neglect her studies, adding: "She copes really well with playing and with her school work."

Amy, who practises for a couple of hours every day on a pool table at home, wants to be a professional.

Steph Lewis, manager of Wales Ladies' B team, thinks Amy has the potential to go to the top.

She said: "She's a very good player who is capable of playing for the senior A side, and I think she's got a world title in her."

Amy would also like sponsorship - to help her call 07974 224898 or 01873 859670.