TWO of Bolton's premier snooker players will be gunning for glory this week when they take on the cream of the amateur world in the Pontins International Open Series at Prestatyn.

Former professional Roger Leighton, who recently won the Bolton Conservative League Individual Championship, and Craig Steadman have entered the event, which sees ranking points built up over eight competitions throughout the year.

The top eight players at the end of the series will be entered on to the professional tour. Last year, Steadman finished an agonising one frame away from achieving that goal.

"I was a pro twelve years ago and was ranked 88 in the world so I am not going into this blind," said 40-year-old gas engineer Leighton. "I know what to expect.

"I am going into this event with very little pressure because I just want to see if I can still do it. I have had three 147s in practice this last week so I know that my game is in good shape.

"I have won a couple of competitions locally in the last couple of weeks, so I am confident in my ability to do well."

Leighton, who is being sponsored by Pot Black Bolton, starts his bid for glory with a game against Belgian Hans Blanckaert this morning, while Steadman is in action against Paul Veitch.

Whatever the outcome, Leighton is determined to see an increase in the popularity of the sport in Bolton by organising several high-profile tournaments over the next few months.

"Snooker is not as big as it was in Bolton, and in the county in general," said Leighton. "Kids just aren't picking up the cues anymore and I would like to see that change. There used to be six sections in the Bolton Snooker League. Now there are just four.

"I want to try and put on some exhibitions where we get some big names down to Bolton and then hopefully people might rekindle their interest."