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Right on Cue takes a look at young English talent Stephen Craigie, who has already had one crack at the professional tour and is hungry for another.

Name: Stephen Craigie

Nationality: English (Born in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear)

Age: 19 (DOB: 19/06/1990)

Current 2009-10 PIOS Ranking: Eight (after three events)

Career Achievements: 2008 European U19 Champion, 2008 Premier Junior Snooker Tour overall winner, Senior England international.

General: Craigie had a fantastic junior career and first turned heads aged just 12 when he won 17 frames out of 18 on his U14 England debut. Secured a place on the main tour for the 2008/2009 by winning 2008 European Championship in Scotland but lasted just a season after struggling to cope with step up in class. He did however make last 64 of the Shanghai Masters, which showed he can mix it with the pros when in form. Back on PIOS circuit for this season and a top eight finish would see him earn back his place. After three events, currently in joint eighth position, sharing the spot with younger brother Sam.

Strengths: Has always been a proficient break builder and knows how to take a chance when presented to him. Also keeps a cool head under pressure, with the stand-out moment of his European U19 success coming in the quarter-finals when he polished off a match-winning 65 break in deciding frame with Stuart Carrington.

Weaknesses: Admitted tactical aspect of snooker was what he found hardest to deal with on the pro tour. Found it tough to win the scrappy frames that are so prominent at that level. Also worth nothing that he struggled in longer matches and lost in opening round of the World Championship qualifiers 10-5 to Lee Spink.

Trivia:

Brother Sam is the current English U16 Champion.

Took up snooker aged six.

Once awarded a Rising Star award by Sir Bobby Robson

Won two events on the U21 Junior Premier Tour and topped overall rankings in 2007/2008.

Practises at home with brother on a snooker table donated to the family by the local police force.

Won the 2008 U19 European Championship by beating former Right on Cue subject Anthony McGill 6-2 in the final.

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