ARM WRESTLING: ANDY CRYER meets Swindon armwrestling champion Julian Cini before his final test.

HAVING taken a hands-on approach in one of the world's more unusual sports over the past 20 years, the Lionheart' Julien Cini is preparing for his final fling.

True, armwrestling may not be everyone's cup of tea when it comes to professional sport but, according to former British champion Cini, it takes just as much "skill, strength and technique" as any other.

Some of the finest armed athletes will be on show at the World Championships in Manchester this week, with Cini making his return after a three-year absence from the sport.

Protege Kay Mathias, from Dursley, and a member of his South West Armwrestling Federation squad, will also be competing as Cini bids to roll back the years one last time.

Better known as the Crusader' to the country's armwrestling fans, Cini admits he couldn't resist a return to the table for the visit of the world's elite.

Injury problems may hamper his bid but after a glittering career already behind him, Cini is confident as he guns for the world's best.

He said: "I couldn't stand by and watch my old adversaries come to England and challenge us on our own territory, so in August I came out of retirement to qualify for the national team one last time.

"There will be over 40 countries competing, so it is a big thing. Some of the strength that is needed has to be seen to be believed. Some of these people are lifting awesome weights.

"I have had injury problems, but a lot of these guys will be more nervous than me and hopefully I can pull something out of the bag when I need it.

"Ironically it was 20 years ago when I first started my professional career and it was also the first."

Cini has won two British titles, four runners-up places and two third places in his career, as well as finishing fourth in the European Championships in his favoured 80kg class.

He is no stranger to the World Championships and has defeated former world champions, European champions and national champions from Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Canada and South Africa.

Injuries in his wrist and biceps leave him at only 80 per cent fitness though and he admits he will have to call on every ounce of experience for success.

He said: "I am going to have to beat them mentally. I haven't trained specifically for wrestling for four years now. I am dieting to lose weight and this has been the hardest thing for me.

"Kaye will surprise a few people I think. No-one knows much about her but she is second in Great Britain, having only been doing it for six months, and that could work for her."

While many look at armwrestling as purely a pub thing', the 35-year-old Swindonian insists it is far more than just a grapple over a pint and packet of peanuts.

"People who come and watch it at the Manchester Trafford Centre will appreciate the professionalism of the sport," he said.

"From strength to stamina, gone are the pub rules. This is where boys are men, with no strength you will never win."

Cini and Mathias both start their campaigns tomorrow.