SNOOKER star Chris Norbury is tickled pink after pocketing a major sponsorship deal just days before his pro debut.

The Accrington teenager, who has agreed a season-long deal with the North Lancs Training Group, will face former world number three James Wattana in the first round of the Grand Prix on Saturday.

Norbury, who broke into the world's top 64 earlier this year, earned his place at Preston's Guild Hall after beating Simon Bedford 5-2 at the qualifying event held at Pontin's Prestatyn Sands Centre.

"I was delighted with my performance," he said. "I let it slip a bit in the first session. I should have been 3-1 up, but ended up going in 2-2 at the interval.

"I had a quick chat with my coach and after I came back out I played some of the best snooker I've ever played.

"He told me that I just needed to up my game and I think I upped it to a level that I've never been to before!

"I won all three frames after the interval, when I think my opponent only potted one ball. In the sixth frame, I missed the green on 113 when I was on for 138 - which would have been the highest break."

The world number 63, who achieved his ranking by coming fifth on the Challenge Tour last season, is just getting used to playing in front of big crowds after 2-300 people recently watched him compete in the final of the European Under-19 Championship staged in Russia.

"I'm going into the unknown now," he said. "Preston is a huge competition. It is the first world ranking tournament of the new season and it's my first as a pro.

"I'll also be playing in front of local support. Everyone's been ringing me up for tickets already.

"I still can't believe that I'm going. When I walk out for my first round match it will be a dream come true."

The former England junior international began playing snooker aged eight after winning a pool competition on holiday.

After a brief spell at Accrington Snooker Club, before it closed down, Norbury moved to Potters Snooker Club in Great Harwood and teamed up with coach Mick Caddy.

The 19-year-old, who made his first maximum break just six weeks ago, admits that he owes a lot to his coach and practice partner - world number 16 Ian McCulloch.

"They have both been unbelievable and a big help to me in my career so far," he said. "I've been with Mick ever since I started playing snooker and it's fair to say that I wouldn't have got here without him.

"Ian has been teaching me a lot and giving me some great advice. I take on board everything that he says as he's got 15 years of experience more than me."

The former Moorhead High School pupil, is thrilled to have finally secured a sponsorship deal with such a well-established organisation.

"They are a big company and already they have been a big help,"he said. "They will pay my entry fees for the year and have already bought me a new suit. I actually wore it for the match at Pontins and it felt great."

He added: "I just want to stay on the tour and cement my position in the top 64 in the world," he said.

"It is important that I get 12 months experience under my belt and if I keep on winning, we'll see what happens."