Snooker: Cue duo eye place among the big boys

Bonnyrigg's Michael Leslie, 18, and Edinburgh's Robert Carlisle, 20, have dreamed of playing against the likes of John Higgins, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry and that possibility could become reality if either of the rising stars were to triumph at the Dolmen Resort Hotel.

Leslie will be hoping to maintain his recent run of good form which has seen him rise to number three in the Scottish Main Tour Rankings. He said: "I was over at the same place last year and it was amazing. I can't wait to get over there and get amongst it again. I feel that my game has improved a lot since last year. The winner of the tournament turns professional so I hope I can go over there and play well and who knows what can happen." However, Leslie knows he will need to be at his best if he is going to bring the title back to Scotland as Belgian wonderkid Luca Brecel, tipped by many as a future world champion, is in the field. "Brecel will be favourite to win the event," said Leslie.

Carlisle, a former semi-finalist in the Under-19 European Championships, will also set off for Malta in good spirits after making a record 139 clearance in the Edinburgh Snooker League. However, this will be his last chance of success at this level.

The Lothians duo will also be part of a four-strong team for the European U21 Team Championship, where they will be joined by Eden Sharav of Alloa and Rhys Clark of Hamilton.

Another Edinburgh player, Stuart Johnstone, 37, will also be in Malta as part of the Scotland side in the European Team Championship.

He will be joined by Perth duo Bobby Cruickshank and Scott Donaldson. The team event commences on July 29.

The under-21 event will take place from April 2-7, with eight groups of eight players competing to finish in the top four of their group and earn a place in the knockout stages. The winner will receive 1000 and an invitation to join the Professional Tour.