WALKDEN snooker ace Craig Steadman has spoken of the impact his mentor John Farnworth has had on his career following another successful summer.

The 26-year-old has just captained England to victory in the Home Internationals for the third year running, and made history when winning the Pontin’s Autumn Festival in Wales.

Steadman was the first player outside the world’s top 32 to win the event in eight years. The open competition had more than 300 entrants, and Steadman had to beat off some well known names to lift the trophy.

It was just the tonic that the local ace needed after missing out on a wildcard for the Main Tour last month when Chinese sensation Liang Wenbo was given the one remaining professional spot.

Steadman is widely regarded as one of the best amateurs in the world now, and many experts in the game think it is only a matter of time before he makes it on to the professional circuit. And the player himself puts much of his success down to working with local coach Farnworth.

“I wouldn’t have a career in snooker if it wasn’t for John,” said Steadman, who has qualified for the IBSF World Championships in Austria this month. “John gave me a job at my local club when I was 14 and that helped me to concentrate on my game more. He was a big influence on my game.

“I am still with him now and he has helped me immensely. He has recently done a coaching badge and worked with Dell Hill, one of the best in the business, and he knows what to look for.

“Hopefully he can take my game on even further.”

Steadman is now concentrating on impressing in Austria after getting to the quater-finals of the same competition in Jordan in 2006.

“On my last overseas trip (to Poland in the 2008 European Championships) I was beaten 7-6 in the final,” said Steadman. “I am still playing well and winning the Autumn Festival gave me a massive confidence booster.

“I have also got a few ranking events coming up, and they carry some decent points so they are important.”

l John Farnworth offers coaching and psychology sessions with anyone who plays snooker or any other one-man sport. Whether you need coaching, or a confidence booster, John can help you achieve your goals. For more information, email johnfarn worth@sky.com or phone 07973 328647.