Disabled snooker player was 'born ready' to win

Dylan Smith, 20, says he brought his "lucky cue" in a bid to win at the tournament [BBC]

A snooker player hopes his "lucky cue" will bring him glory at the fourth time of asking at the World Disability Snooker Open.

Dylan Smith, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, is preparing to compete at the tournament which runs from 15 to 17 May at the Tradewell Snooker Club in Hull.

The 20-year-old, who has Down's syndrome, took up the sport in 2022 and will take part in the 6A category.

He told the BBC that practice and preparation, including his cue, would stand him in good stead, adding: "I can't wait to be in it. I was born ready for this."

Standing at the snooker table during a practice session at the club, Smith showed composure and precision, potting difficult shots with confidence.

For Smith, all eyes are on the ball and his dedication is as sharp as his sartorial style for the game.

"I'm going to wear a suit and a jacket and I wear a waistcoat as well," he said.

"I can't wait."