PAUL Rinaldi was knocked out of the Poplar Classic last week -- by his best mate!

Reigning champion Colin Morton scored a 5-1 victory over Paul with two 57 breaks and a 54, but with a fantastic snooker career behind him Paul isn't likely to be too bothered.

Now the proud owner of Padiham Snooker Club on North Street, Burnley, that's where his interests lie -- though this hasn't always been the case.

"It was in fact the one and only Colin Morton who got me hooked on snooker," recalls Paul, 42. "When I was about 18 we worked at the same factory, and he invited me down to what was then the Trinity Conservative Club in Burnley for a game - and I've loved it ever since."

Paul has made many achievements during his time, but he had to get over a major problem first.

"I was addicted to drink. That's the only problem when you're playing snooker, a beer and a cigarette go with it - and it's easy to become dependent on the stuff.

"I started to attend alcoholics anonymous meetings and the proudest moment of my life was when I gave it up in 1989.

"And I haven't touched a drop since."

So, did conquering the battle of the booze improve his game?

"Without a doubt. My mind became much clearer; I finally got my act together and became more respectable. I reckon that's what made my career so successful."

East Lancashire Champion, Burnley Big Break Champion, Pendle Big Break Champion, CIU Champion, Golden Cue Large Table Champion, £500 Boddingtons Brewery Champion... the list of his past titles goes on.

But Paul's most cherished memories lie with Canada..

"In 1992 I was offered a sponsorship deal in Canada. The owner of a snooker house over there employed me as a house pro. And I did loads of stuff over there, I went on the North American Pro Tour and met and played with the likes of Kirk Stevens and Cliff Thorburn.

"I also managed to get a maxi 147 break out there, which is one of the highlights of my career. Only about 30 professionals have managed that."

Though after five years of going back and forth he inevitably got homesick.

"I started to miss my family and decided it was time to come back to England. But I also knew that I could never play to such a high standard back home, so it was kind of my way of giving up too."

Although it seems snooker and Paul never could part for very long.

"Not long after I returned the snooker club was offered to me and I had to say yes - it was destiny. Snooker always seems to come back and haunt me!

"Taking over the club was like a dream come true to me. I like to coach all the young lads that come to play, with my experience I can see where they are going wrong and point them in the right direction.

"And they're actually very good players. About ten of them have already made 100 breaks and it's great to see them improve. I don't play much myself outside the club anymore, that's secondary to me now.

"I was invited into the Poplar Classic as one of the best 16 players in the area which is quite flattering, although I never hoped for much when I found out I would be against Colin in the first round!

"It doesn't really bother me that I don't do as much as I used to, I've had a great snooker career and have some fantastic memories.

"I've met many famous players from being invited backstage at big events and my old friend Jimmy White is coming to my club in April to do an exhibition, he went down a storm when he came last year. "Oh and there's my prize possession - Stephen Hendry's old cue case. When I heard he was getting rid of it I phoned his manager and managed to get it off him - and Stephen signed it too!"