TWO Swindon pool players will be looking to light up Blackpool over the next fortnight as they compete in the World Championships.

Both Nigel Olding and Jason Godbeer will head north to the seaside town today to compete in the men’s single championships, the men’s senior championships and the World Masters at the Imperial Hotel, while Olding will also be playing for England ‘A’ in the team event.

The duo, who play and train at the 147 Club in Sheppard Street, will be hoping that they can impress.

Godbeer, who will be making his first appearance at the world championships, said: “I’m optimistic that I can do well.

“Having got into the England squad I want to try and continue that at the worlds and look to progress.

“This is the second time that Nigel has qualified for the worlds and he won seven of his eight matches to seal a place in the England A team as well.

“Playing pool is a way of life for both Nigel and me and hopeful that we can do well there.”

Godbeer said that he is looking forward to walking out at the Imperial Hotel in England colours.

The 51-year-old, who has been playing local, county and tournament pool for 30 years is known as ‘Sonic’ amongst Swindon’s pool fraternity.

“It means the world to me to have the England colours,” he said. “No-one is ever going to be able to take that away from me.

“I missed out on being part of the B team in Blackpool, but there is another trial match later in the year to qualify for the European Championships.

“If I do well in that then I could be jetting off to Malta in February next year.”