But White’s name has been omitted from the first round draw because he is only 15.

However, former world champion Shaun Murphy was the same age when he began his career in the paid ranks at the 1998 Grand Prix qualifiers and Ding Junhui was only 14 when invited to compete in the 2002 China Open as a wild card.

Heartbroken White celebrates his 16th birthday on July 5 and the final stages will not be held until August. The Shanghai Masters is not sponsored by tobacco, alcohol or gambling products.

However, the game’s governing body refuse to give him special dispensation.

The frustrated Neath teenager must now wait until the qualifying rounds for the Royal London Watches Grand Prix in September to make his belated debut.

“I had a letter from World Snooker to tell me I couldn’t play because of my age,” said the record breaking Welsh starlet. “I’m trying to be laid back about it. If I get too upset or worried then it might upset the rest of my season. I’m just waiting to see whether they will give me any ranking points for a first round loser.”

White obtained his pro ticket by winning the European Under-19 Championship earlier this year, beating Irishman Vincent Muldoon in the final.

In 2006, White captured the IBSF World Grand Prix as a 14-year-old. The prize also included a place on the main tour but he had to turn it down because of his age.

White first came to prominence as a nine-year-old, becoming the youngest player to make a competitive century break.