SNOOKER star Ian McCulloch is gearing up for a crack at the World Championships - with the aid of pedal power.

The Accrington-based professional's marathon 10-9 victory over Gary Wilkinson in Telford last week earned him a place in the televised stages at The Crucible, Sheffield.

And if he beats Mark Williams - provisionally ranked number one in the world - in his first round match next Tuesday, he will fulfil his dream of becoming a top 32 player.

But McCulloch's dramatic change in fortunes has coincided with his move to a new house in Walton-le-Dale just before Christmas.

And one of the first things he did when he moved in was erect an exercise bike which has turned him into a leaner, meaner, potting machine, capable of staying the distance.

"I've lost a stone in weight since January and I'm feeling so much better and sharper for it," said McCulloch, who is now guaranteed at least £12,500 in prize money.

"I think that stood me in good stead during the last week or so because the three matches were a grind."

McCulloch showed he had the necessary stamina to see off Barry Pinches 10-9 when his first qualifying match went the distance.

And after he had seen off Peter Lines 10-6 in the next phase, he had to dig deep into the tank again to beat Wilkinson 10-9 in another 19 frame marathon. But his new-found resilience owes as much to his mental strength as it does to his energy levels.

Under coach Mick Caddy, he has spent hours working on the mental side of his game and it has helped him keep his nerve when it counts.

"I've been doing a lot of work with Mick where we've sat down and talked about particular situations and it seems to be paying off," said McCulloch.

"I just kept saying certain things to myself all the time during my matches to keep myself going.

"I kept leading 5-4 at the halfway stages so I needed a lot of mental energy to see me through.

"So I suppose it's as much a triumph for mental strength as well."

Now McCulloch has his sights set on Welsh wizard Williams, who has already won three ranking tournaments so far this season.

He knows it's a tall order but can't wait to make his Crucible debut and attempt to break into the World's top 32.

"It's obviously a very tough game because Mark's picked up more points than anyone else so far this season.

"But the days are gone when I worry about who I've got to play and I'm not the type of person who'll shy away when it comes to playing infront of a crowd so hopefully that might work in my favour.

"He'll be under a lot more pressure than me so if I can play to my best then who knows.

"I just hope it's a memorable experience rather than one to forget because I've waited so long for it."

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