Snooker ace’s gift to Burnley charity champ (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Snooker ace’s gift to Burnley charity champ

3:00pm Thursday 2nd July 2009 in

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A SNOOKER-mad boy’s dream came true when a world champion turned up at his house.

Shaun Murphy arrived at the home of seven-year-old Lewis Ullah, in Dorset Street, Burnley, with a six-foot table to help him practise.

Gifted Lewis has been playing snooker for several years after his family discovered his rare talent during a stay at Pontins in Prestatyn.

Since then, the Rosegrove Infant School pupil has played at Burnley Snooker Club, in Bank Parade, and helped raise money for the Paul Hunter Foundation, a charity set up in memory of the tragic Leeds-born player.

Yesterday’s visit by 2005 world snooker champion Murphy was a reward for the hard work.

And the snooker ace, who also reached this year’s world championship final, said Lewis has a bright future ahead of him.

He said: “He is very good. I have seen him knocking shots in on a full-size table and I am not sure if he knows just how tough they are.

“I am just really impressed with his enthusiasm for the game and if that continues it is up to him how far he goes.

“I didn’t start playing until I was eight so he is already ahead of me.”

Lewis was given tips and some coaching by Murphy as he bids to improve on his record break of 27 on a full-size table.

Lewis said: “It was really good when Shaun came through the door.

“He’s been showing me a few shots, a bit like my brother used to show me.”

Lewis has already practised at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, the home of the world championships, and appeared on BBC TV.

The Paul Hunter Foundation was established in 2006 following the death from cancer of the snooker star.

It aims to drag teenagers away from anti-social behaviour, drink and life on the streets and into playing snooker instead.