TOM Vickers has said he is focused on winning the biggest prize in his chosen sport for a second time.

The Winsford ace takes part in the British Individual Senior Merit on Saturday, when he will attempt to repeat a stunning victory two years ago.

It was the best season of his career to date.

The Wharton Cons member claimed a sweep of singles titles in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association, and won the Cheshire Senior Merit for the first time.

“They’re special memories that I’ll always cherish,” he said.

“But I’m hungry to win the competition again. I’m not interested in going there to get through a couple of rounds and being happy with that.

“I know I can do it, and I’m playing well.”

Northwich Guardian:

Tom Vickers shows off the British Senior Individual Merit title he won at Florence Bowling Club in Stoke two years ago, when he beat Gareth Herbert in the final

The 28-year-old is part of a 64-strong field for the ‘All England’ Championships, as it is referred to by bowlers, which take place at Griff and Coton Sports Club in Nuneaton.

A draw for the first round, which has paired him with North Midlands Merit winner Paul Lamb, might have been a kinder one though.

Vickers said: “You just want to win that opening game, and then settle in.

“I’ll have to start well, because I’ve up against an opponent who will probably know the green because he plays in that neck of the woods.

“That’s not ideal, but it’s pointless worrying about it.

“For me, the All England is the biggest competition we play in, and the hardest to win, because you know it’s the very best guys from across the country.

“They’ve all had to come through tough qualifiers just to be there, and you’ve got to win six games in the course of a day to get hold of the trophy.

“Switching between two greens and playing in a loud atmosphere are also tricky to get used to at first, but I love it now – it makes me concentrate more, and that’s when I produce my best.”