BOLTON pool ace Jason Lawrence has set his sights on breaking into the top 32 in Europe next year.

The Halliwell 36-year-old took up nine-ball American pool last year and has since turned professional.

He has quickly risen through the ranks, and is now rated 94th out of more than 600 players on the continent.

He plays on the European tour, which comprises seven tournaments in places such as Malaga, Paris and Holland, and combines playing with supply teaching at local schools.

Lawrence’s next target is to take on Europe’s elite, which he believes is a realistic target considering his recent form.

“I think I can make the top 32 in Europe in the next 12 months,” said Lawrence, who is nicknamed The Lone Wolf. “I have gone from being ranked 600-odd to 94th in my first year.

“My matches are getting more difficult because I am playing better players and gaining a reputation on the circuit, and I am enjoying every minute of it.

“I played snooker for more than 20 years, but nothing came of it because I pursued my education.

“I got introduced to billiards by some friends last year and I fell in love with the game. People think it is easier because it is a smaller table with bigger balls and pockets, but that is not the case at all.

“It’s far from easy. Ronnie O’Sullivan had a crack at it, but realised he couldn’t compete at the top.”

The sport, which is mainly played in Asia and the Americas, has a low profile in Britain, despite the fact that the 2007 world champion, Daryl Peach, is from Blackpool.

Lawrence is the only player of note from Bolton, and he is hoping to combine playing with promoting the sport in this country.

“I want to promote the sport in this country and I am working with Riley’s to try and put on a major competition,” said Lawrence, who practices two hours each day at Riley’s snooker hall in Stretford.

“I want to get the media and television more involved in the sport because there is a lot of untapped talent in this country.

“I want to raise the profile of the sport and myself.”

Lawrence has designs on playing in South America and the Caribbean in the next few months, and he is looking for sponsorship to help with his huge travelling expenses. Anyone interested can call Jason on 07909 745 853.