Michael White, an outstanding prospect from Neath who earned his place on the world ranking circuit through winning the European junior title, has been excluded from the qualifying competition for the Shanghai Masters, which begins in Prestatyn today, because his 16th birthday is not until July 5.
A World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association spokesman said: "He's not old enough. Nobody has played professionally under the age of 16." However, an official WPBSA press release of July 30 1998 confirms that Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world champion, did so nine years ago. White will now be able to accumulate points from only six of the seven ranking events.