Snooker: Ben's last pot shot at world title

Ben Farnworth is hoping next week's world under-21 snooker championships will be his lucky last.

The Auckland cueist carries the major hopes of the four-strong New Zealand side who leave today for the world tournament in Bangalore.

The oldest of a Kiwi quartet who include his younger brother, Scott, Farnworth has already broken into the last 16 at the two previous two world championships and is again considered a potential title threat.

New Zealand manager Austin Farnworth said yesterday that the tournament would be an education for the three younger members of the team - Wayne Belmont (19), Willie Florence (20) and Scott Farnworth (18) - but a definite opportunity for Ben Farnworth.

"Ben's No 3 in New Zealand overall, and has broken into the last 16 at the world championships twice before, so he's got be a chance," he said.

"He's determined to improve his ranking in Bangalore and will make a decision on whether to turn professional after competing in the Challenger Series in Britain.

"To be quite honest, the younger three won't threaten the frontrunners, but it will still be a great experience for them and they could be back next year."

The world under-21 championships will draw together 60 rising snooker stars, with the top four competitors from each of the eight pools qualifying for a 32-man knockout.