ZAC Barton is more determined than ever to pot his way to the top after enjoying a cameo role in the TV coverage of the World Snooker Championships.

The 15-year-old Bolton startlet missed out on a £5,000 bonus when he competed in the Future Stars competition at Sheffield.

But, in his efforts to impress former world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who supervised the Riley’s-sponsored event, the England B Under-16 international got a taste of the big time that left him hungry or more.

Introduced as “Zac Barton – the original Bolton Wanderer” – a nickname he has enthusiastically adopted – his crack at the tough skills test was broadcast during a frame break in the BBC’s coverage of the world famous Crucible showpiece.

The clip was later posted on the internet file-sharing site Youtube, rocketing the local teenager’s fame to new heights.

“It was completely different to anything Zac has experienced before,” said his mother, Donna Smith, who was at the event along with Barton’s older sisters, Hayley and Carrie, and his coach John Farnworth.

“Just being there was a fantastic experience – and when he was introduced as the Bolton Wanderer we were all so proud of being from Bolton.

“He didn’t win the £5,000 but he got the third highest points total and he really had a ball.

The event was superbly organised and just being there at the World Championships gave all the lads a taste of what it would be like if they really did hit the heights.

“This has really spurred Zac on.”

Barton, who is sponsored by Concrete Services Ltd and CarMan Plastics Ltd, last year won a place on the England Association of Snooker and Billiards Premier Junior Tour and, on a local level, played a pivotal role in Bolton A’s victory over Manchester SLA in the Greater Manchester Inter-league final.

Now he has his sights on the professional ranks.

When he leaves Turton Media Arts College next month, he will take up an offer of free table time at Bolton Snooker Club, for whom he plays in the Bolton and District Snooker League.

“Craig is determined to succeed and he will be on those tables full time once he has left school,” Mrs Smith added.