Woderkids Luca Brecel and Kacper Filipiak have the ability to become two of the greatest snooker players of all time.
But today their proud tour debuts turned into baptisms of fire. It was the start of what can only be described as the steep learning they must travel through before reaching the top.
Belgium's Brecel, 16, was beaten 5-1 by Sam Baird and Poland's Filipiak, 15, fared even worse going down 5-0 to Li Yan in their opening matches in the Australian Open qualifiers.
These results have already led many to question whether their inclusion on this year's tour is too premature? But other great young players have been there before. Judd Trump is a prime example. It doesn't mean we should doubt them.
Brecel and Filipiak are the 2010 EBSA European champion and 2011 European Under-21 champions respectively, thus proving they're already capable enough to compete at this level.
They've earned their places here on merit, but this doesn't mean they were guaranteed to be automatic successes on the professional tour. In fact, it's inevitable they would find the step up to the big league a tough one.
What I do believe though is that they'll look back and remember today as a crucial step towards their progress. As far as learning goes, it will prove invaluable. They say you learn more in losing than you do winning. So don't expect too much from these guys too soon. This season is about finding their feet and improving their strength of character as much as their game.
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