Sheffield snooker sensation Joel Walker was treated to a coaching masterclass with one of the sport’s greats.

Joel, from Charnock, Sheffield, was selected to take part in a one-to-one training session with Ronnie O’Sullivan at the World Snooker Academy at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport (EIS Sheffield).

The 16-year-old potted the exclusive prize after being selected as the most promising player in a nationwide ‘Future Stars’ competition, run by Rileys earlier this year.

Three-times World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan judged the final stages and Joel’s reward was a year of training and mentoring from the Rocket.

They practised together at the Academy at EIS Sheffield before Ronnie O'Sullivan competed in the Star Xing Pai Players Tour Championship at the venue, reaching the quarter-finals.

Joel is one of 32 amateur players who have been given the chance to battle it out in the qualifying stages of the World Open at the Academy from August 21-24.

The Academy provides state-of-the-art training facilities for new and existing talent and acts as a centre of excellence for grassroots snooker.

The World Snooker Academy has recently been refurbished and will now host all World Snooker qualification events.

Check the events section for the latest snooker events coming to EIS Sheffield