HILL TO ATTAIN POOL SUMMIT AGAIN?
MICK TARGETS THIRD WORLD TITLE
If and when 8-Ball Pool ever inaugurates a Hall of Fame one of the first inductees will surely be Mick Hill.
The Black Country cue star is one of the game's greatest ever players.
And he can confirm that tag by retaining his WEPF World 8-Ball men's singles title on July 5.
Hill is top seed for the £26,000 tournament that starts at Blackpool's Imperial Hotel on Friday.
Indeed, he's been busy raising profile since defeating another Hall of Fame certainty Gareth Potts in last year's final.
Hill has twice travelled to Australia
where he is instantly recognisable among the small table game fraternity.
And he reckons the Aussies could mount a serious challenge at this year's championships which again features ladies singles; men's and women's team events plus competitions for Juniors, Under 21's and Over 50's..
"It's probably been my most productive year off the table," said Hill, seeded through to the last 32.
"Winning the title last year had a big knock on effect for me with regard to exhibitions outside tournament play.
"Form wise I've been a bit hit and miss. I won the Worlds, World Masters and finished runner-up in the International Masters.
"But on the Tour, this year, I have been there in body but not in mind.
"I think you find a lot of top players de-motivated before they get to Blackpool.
"But I suspect at the Championships you will see the familiar faces doing well. I can't see a big shock happening."
However, Hill gives a big shout up to the Aussies after his visits to Melbourne, Tasmania, Darwin and Adelaide.
He attended their Hall of Fame opening ceremony, won a frontline invitation event and was feted like world champions should be.
"Maybe one or two of the Aussies could ruffle a few feathers this time," said the 'Machine Gun.'
"I've seen how dangerous they can be. They are far better players than they have showed over here.
"They've got people who should be appearing in the back end of the championship.
"But credit to them for coming over each year. It's great commitment and they probably don't get the respect they deserve for putting in such effort.
"For myself, I'll be going to Blackpool trying my socks off.
"I want to win three titles. I want to win four or five.
"If I don't then I'd like to see someone like Rob Chilton or Neil Raybone win it this time. But I think it is going to be a winner everyone expects."
Trevor Baxter
Press Officer - WEPF World Championships 2011