BOLTON squash professional Julian Tomlinson will begin his challenge for the Solent Classic today.
The 19-year-old will make the long trek to Southampton from his Lancashire home hoping to make the most of his recent fine form.
Tomlinson hopes for an extended stay on the south coast with the tournament being staged over the next three days.
Victory in his first round match at noon will require a second performance later tonight with the Quarter Finals and Semi Finals scheduled for Saturday and the Final on Sunday.
Julian said: “It is a long way to travel but I’m looking forward to it. My form is good and I’m confident I can do well.
“Top class matches against fellow professionals are fantastic experience and all part of my learning curve.
“I always travel believing in my ability to perform and hopefully I will do myself proud and maybe even return to Bolton with the trophy.”
Overall victory at the Solent tournament will be a tall task for Tomlinson who is only in his first full year as a professional.
Last year’s champion Andy Whipp will begin the tournament as favourite, with last year’s beaten finalist Tim Vail hoping to overturn the result.
Tomlinson will gain great experience from court time with some of the UK’s finest squash talents and will give it his all to surprise his opponents.