By Saj Chowdhury BBC Sport at The Crucible

Daniel Wells receives the award

Welsh player Daniel Wells has been announced as the first winner of the Paul Hunter Scholarship.

The 18-year-old from Neath will now be given the chance to develop his skills at Sheffield's World Snooker Academy after impressing at amateur level.

"I couldn't believe the news. I'll be able to live near the academy and learn from the best," Wells told BBC Sport.

The annual scheme was created as a tribute to Hunter, who died in October aged 27 following a battle with cancer.

"Paul was a massive inspiration, especially his temperament. He was always smiling even when he lost," added the teenager.

Wells is at the top of the junior rankings in Wales, is in the senior national team and is hoping to turn professional next year for the start of the 2008 season.