PRESTON pool player Andy Croasdale is hoping to fulfill a childhood dream when he competes in the World Eightball Pool Championships in the Shetland Islands next week, writes Paul Brooks.

Since he first picked up a cue when he was just five years old in his dad's pub, it has been his ambition to be world champion.

Although Andy, from Cloughhill, Penwortham is only 22, he is already established as one of the hottest prospects around on the pool circuit and is the number two player in the world.

He has already won a European Championship title in 1997. And he's also claimed the European Speed Pool title in 1998 with a total table clearance in a staggering 38 seconds!

But to win the world title he will have to beat eightball legends such as Ross McInnes who holds the one place above him in the world rankings?

About his prospects Andy said: "I was very nervous the first time I ever played Ross as he was - and still is in my opinion - the player to beat.

"That was a while ago, though, and to tell you the truth I no longer worry who I play. I get whoever the draw throws up - but they also get me to contend with!'

'I've even beaten Ross the last two times I've played him in major events and, if I want to achieve my goal of winning the world title and getting the number one spot in the rankings, then I'll have to go through him anyway."

Andy believes that winning his first world title in the Shetlands this year is a realistic ambition - especially after also winning the 2002 Dragon Cues Classic in style in April.

"When I first started playing the game it was always the one honour I wanted to win more than anything - and I genuinely believe this year could see that dream come true."

Expect the champagne corks to pop in Penwortham if the potting machine achieves his dream!