Thanks to the Sutton Coldfield Observer 2nd of May edition for this write up.
Erdington snooker starlet Mitchell Mann has targeted a place among the world's elite over the next few years after a great first season on the Challenge Tour.

Mann finished 28th on the PIOS Challenge Tour list this season out of more than 100 players vying to reach the Main Tour alongside the game's superstars.And with the top eight each year climbing on to the Main Tour, Mann believes he has given himself a platform to take one of those place over the next couple of years.

He said: "You look back at the season and think if I could have won one or two more matches earlier on, I could have got on the Main Tour this year.

He said: "You look back at the season and think if I could have won one or two more matches earlier on, I could have got on the Main Tour this year.

"But it was my first year and now I've got a bit of experience I am looking forward to next season."

The 16-year-old, based at Riley's in Erdington, reached the last 32 of three of the eight events in the PIOS calendar this season.

But he saved his best for last, making the semi-finals of the final event last month before losing 5-3 to Justin Astley.

Mann - one of the youngest players on the tour - added: "Getting to the semis gave me a really big boost as it hadn't been the best season for me before that.

"It lifted me a bit and gave me more confidence."

The teenager has claimed a host of scalps during the season, most notably beating ranking event winner and former world number five Gary Wilkinson on two occasions.

Mann said: "I had to play well because he has been there and done it.

"Before the first match a lot of people told me what to expect and I just went out there and tried to enjoy myself.

"I grew in confidence a lot because I like competing against the better players."

And the youngster admits he has been casting an envious eye on events at the Crucible during the last couple of weeks, where the World Championships are taking place.

He added: "People keep saying I can make it and play there but I've just got to make sure I keep working hard."