GWENT'S Ricky Davies is aiming to become the next star of British squash.

The 19-year-old from Caldicot has just turned professional and will now compete in competitions all over Europe as he tries rise up the rankings.

He turned pro in July after successfully completing a sports science course at Coleg Gwent in Usk and now he is gearing-up for his first match on the PSA (Professional Squash Association) Tour.

The former Caldicot comprehensive student, who trains six days a week, is ranked sixth in the senior Welsh ranking, with Pontypool's David Evans in top-spot.

He said: "It's great that I have turned pro - I'm delighted. I now have to decide which competitions to enter."

Like competitors in tennis and badminton, squash players rise up the rankings through winning tournaments - and each event offers varying amounts of points.

Davies said: "I have to decide which tournaments will be beneficial to me - which ones will suit me and earn me the most points so I can progress up the rankings."

As a youth, he won various championships including the Welsh Junior Championship, the Welsh Open and South of England Championships.

Davies, whose racquets and kit is sponsored by CX Sport, started playing squash at the age of seven when his dad Barrie took him for a game at Caldicot Squash Club.

Davies later joined the club, based at Caldicot Leisure Centre, and progressed to Welsh junior number one.