You've been framed! Black Country prodigy, nine, snookers presenter and former government minister on national television
Snooker legend Rex Williams and rising young star Tommy 'The Tornado' Fallon will meet next month in Halesowen, with the latter using a new cue.
Nine-year-old Stourbridge snooker prodigy Tommy Fallon is fresh from two TV appearances this week, one nationally when he played former government minister and now Good Morning Britain presenter Ed Balls in front of the watching millions.
He borrowed Tommy's cue to practice shots, with fellow presenter Susanna Reid willing the youngster on as he showed off his skills.
The television company is now set to present Tommy with a new personalised one, in time for an exhibition next month in Halesowen featuring former world champion Stuart Bingham and Rex Williams, considered the founder of the televised game.
Last month Tommy, who attends The Ridge Primary, took part in the World Snooker Federation championships, taking on youngsters from the junior professional tour twice his age and earning high praise for his play.
He first picked up a cue at the age of six when his grandmother took him to a snooker club and has shown a natural ability ever since, practicing at Kingswinford Snooker Club and Atack Snooker Club Nuneaton, home to four-time World Snooker champion Mark Selby.
His father James has credited both clubs for helping him with his autism and ADHD, with the sessions at the Atack Club particularly geared towards helping youngsters focus.
On Good Morning Britain young Tommy once again called out Ronnie O'Sullivan, saying it was his ambition to beat him one day, before he and James were interviewed.
James said: "They have said they will present him with another cue which is nice because in snooker they are personal to each player and Ed borrowed his - but this was just the latest in a whirlwind start to the year.
"We had a wonderful time in Bulgaria where he was playing kids twice his age and although he didn't win the tournament, he played very well and won a lot of praise.
"The treatment we received as all the players and their families did was fantastic and he had a meet and greet with the head of the World Snooker Federation who presented him with a trophy saying 'Every Champion starts Somewhere'.
"He also received a letter of commendation from Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles on headed paper and was then invited to appear on national television, with another appearance on Central News the next day. ITV have said they have other television projects in the pipeline for him, they will certainly be watching his progress.
"At the moment though he is just concentrating on his snooker - and of course his school work - but we are all looking forward to the event featuring Stuart Bingham and Rex Williams, both of whom he will play.
"We know Rex very well - he is a former champion and legend of the game and that is the aim for Tommy, whose story has only just started."
The Stuart Bingham exhibition takes place on Thursday, March 5 at The Laurels Social Club, Windmill Hill, Halesowen, with tickets available here.
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