GWENT snooker ace David Donovan hopes that his clean sweep of Welsh age group titles can serve as a springboard to success on the professional circuit.

Donovan clinched the Welsh Under-21 Championship at Trecenydd Snooker Club in Caerphilly, booking a plane ticket to Mauritius in the process.

The New Inn 20-year-old, who practises for four hours a day at the Pocket club in Newport, will be heading to the African island to take part in the World Under-21 Championships where success would bag him a wild card place on the main world professional snooker circuit.

Donovan said: "I'm looking forward to it and it's a great opportunity for me.

"I've got a fair idea of the standard that I will be up against and feel I've got a chance of winning it.

"There will be the best under-21s from England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland and many others, but I'm the best in Wales and stand a good chance."

Donovan sealed his place in the championships with a terrific effort in the day-long event in Caerphilly, first defeating a trio of rivals over the best-of-three frames to reach the last four.

He then dispatched Bridgend's Aled Brothers in the semis to qualify for the best-of-five final where he overcame Swansea's Jordan Steins 3-2 in a tight encounter, adding the title to a roll of honour that already includes the national under-15, under-17 and under-19 crowns.

The incentive of a place on the main tour is particularly attractive to Donovan after a failed first spell four years ago when he didn't win a single game.

He said: "I think I was a bit young back then, I was too inexperienced and not quite ready for it.

"It was obviously disappointing because I didn't win a match, but I think I can learn from it and it has made me a better player.

"This is obviously a great chance to turn pro again, but if I don't make it this time I hope to go into the Open Tours and work my way up.

"My heroes are the likes of Hendry, Higgins and O'Sullivan - they are great players and it would be great to reach their level. I can definitely feel myself progressing and becoming a better player."