BUDDING Gwent snooker star David Donovan landed another title last weekend to put him in great heart for his forthcoming World Under-21 title bid in Latvia.

But the cost of the trip is such that he is urgently looking for a sponsor, though coach Neil Tomkins has a fund-raising event planned.

"The cost of flights and accommodation are extremely high," said Tomkins, the professional from Bassaleg.

"David is a member of the Sports Council's Elite Cymru scheme and that is a big help, but for a trip like Latvia he needs to raise a lot more."

Tomkins himself is arranging a Challenge Match at the Redz Snooker Club, Cwmbran, on August 3 between Donovan and Welsh professional Ryan Day, from Bridgend, who topped the Challenge Tour last season.

In addition, the four top club juniors from a special competition will play a frame apiece against Day. Price of entry is adults £3, children £2.

At the event, people will have the chance at auction to buy a snooker cue signed by every player who took part in the last world championship as well as a Sports Relief programme signed by sports starts such as Sir Stephen Redgrave and Gary Lineker.

Donovan's Latvian competition begins on August 16, but this weekend he captains Wales in the Nations Cup against England, Scotland and Ireland in Scotland. Last weekend, Donovan won the Golden Waiscoat event in Essex.

He came through the round robin opener to reach the last eight and defeated Northampton's Jamie O'Neill 3-0 with the aid of a 106 break, before beating Jamie Jones (Neath) and Judd Trump (Bristol) 3-1 in the final.