NEWPORT'S snooker ace David Donovan is earning a reputation as one of the brightest prospects on the amateur scene.

The 22-year-old puts his good form and a string of standout results down to playing with a smile on his face.

"I'm playing well now and I'm enjoying it," said Donovan.

The Welsh potter left the amateur ranks at 16 to turn pro and faced the unenviable task of establishing himself in the professional game against the most experienced and talented players in the world.

"Having turned pro at 16 I probably wasn't ready," admitted Donovan.

Since returning to the amateur game after being unable to finance a professional career Donovan is honing his skills against a host of former professionals including former world number eight and fellow Gwent ace Darren Morgan.

He said: "The expectation levels aren't there now - before I was expected to go out and win. Now the boot's on the other foot.

"I'm going out there and performing without the pressure that comes with being in the pro ranks."

The much-admired Welshman has enjoyed a rich vein of form in recent weeks and registered his second victory in as many weeks over former Welsh champion Andrew Pagett on Sunday.

His win at the Welsh Amateur Championship, one of the most coveted prizes in Welsh snooker, has underlined his credentials and return to form.

"There's been a few tournaments lately but I thought I'd wait to enter the big one and we'll see what happens."