Snooker: Doyle signs new man Fu

MARCO FU, last month's Grand Prix finalist and the most exciting newcomer on the circuit this season, has become the latest signing by the leading manager, Ian Doyle.

The 20-year-old from Hong Kong joins the formidable Cuemasters stable, which includes the former world champions Stephen Hendry and Ken Doherty as well as the UK Championship title holder, Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Doyle believes Fu has the talent and temperament to add the world title to his world amateur and world under-21 championships.

"Maybe 1999 is too early to see him winning at the Crucible but I think it will happen eventually," Doyle said.

"It is fair to say Marco is the most important addition to our stable in terms of the development of the game overseas.

"I truly believe Marco gives the Far East its greatest chance yet of winning the world title."

Fu, currently 51st on the provisional rankings, lost 9-3 to Stephen Lee in the Grand Prix final at Preston.

"It is an honour for me to join the best squad of snooker players in the world," Fu said before establishing a 5-3 overnight lead against Gary Wilkinson, another of his new stablemates, at the Liverpool Victoria UK Championship in Bournemouth yesterday.