FORMER Canon Slade pupil Julian Tomlinson is looking to continue his rapid progression up the world squash ladder this week at the National Squash Championships in Manchester.

The 21-year-old from Over Hulton has steadily climbed the world rankings since his first professional squash tournament in Porto just over a year ago.

His best result to date was an impressive win over a world top 150 player at last year's national championships.

He enters around 12 professional tournaments a year all over the world and will be looking for further establish himself on the pro scene in the nationals which run from Monday to Sunday at the National Squash Centre at Sports City next to Manchester City's football ground.

He plays his first pre-qualifying match on Tuesday against either Dan McGinn or Cai Younger.

Some of the top competitors in the tournament include two-time champion and last year's finalist James Willstrop and his brother Matthew.

It will be a busy couple of weeks for Tomlinson who will fly to Alexandria, Egypt as soon as the nationals are over for a professional tournament which begins next weekend.

The former David Lloyd (Bolton) squash coach said: "My confidence is hitting another level as I am now managing to win against individuals who I am beating for the first time.

"It is a great feeling knowing that I am continually improving through keeping busy with my hectic training and tournament schedule.

“At this level it becomes a lifestyle, so I eat, drink and sleep squash, but I do need support, which I have had from my family, Crompton Place and T.B.S Sports.

"That, in turn, has allowed me to focus on my job as a professional squash player, and hopefully eventually one of the best players in the world."