Snooker star faces tough fight

The Bexhill-based 18-year-old, who has previously been a part of the elite series, begins the Pontin's Challenge Tour season at Prestatyn, Wales, this weekend as one of 128 players gunning for six coveted places.

"It is realistic," said Brian. "He thinks he's good enough to be there but it all goes on the results.

"You would need to win about 15 matches, three or four matches in all five events to get a place. It doesn't seem a lot but with the calibre that you're playing against it is.

"It's going to be so tough but he's still mad keen, training as hard as ever and he really wants to get on the main tour this year. It could be make or break but all you can do is give it your best shot."

Jimmy, who like "nearly all the players now" has had to take up a part-time job as a result of a drop in prize money, starts up against Liverpool's Steve Wilsby on Sunday, whom Brian "would expect him to beat", although "they're all capable of winning".

From a star of the present to those of tomorrow: the new O'Sullivan's Stars of the Future grand prix starts tomorrow (Saturday), writes MICK KIRK.

Rhys Bennett will be out to defend his title but will face stiff opposition from a number of rivals including John Gourlay and Charlie Horsman, the two finalists in Saturday's friendly competition.

Gourlay won on that occasion as did Dan Ogilvie the previous week, ironically defeating Bennett in the final.

Another O'Sullivan's Sunday Tournament takes place this weekend with registration taking place at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.