BOROUGH pool star Mick Hill expects a tough challenge as he bids to retain his world title next week.

The Dudley cue star is one of the game's greatest ever players and he can confirm that tag by retaining his WEPF World 8-Ball men’s singles title on July 5.

Hill is top seed for the £26,000 tournament which takes place at Blackpool's Imperial Hotel.

And he’s been busy raising his profile since defeating another Hall of Fame certainty Gareth Potts in last year's final.

Hill has twice travelled to Australia where he is instantly recognisable among the small table game fraternity.

And he reckons the Aussies could mount a serious challenge at this year's championships which again features ladies singles; men's and women's team events plus competitions for Juniors, Under 21's and Over 50's.

Hill said: “It's probably been my most productive year off the table.

“Winning the title last year had a big knock on effect for me with regard to exhibitions outside tournament play.

“Form wise I've been a bit hit and miss. I won the Worlds, World Masters and finished runner-up in the International Masters.

“But on the Tour, this year, I have been there in body but not in mind.

“I think you find a lot of top players demotivated before they get to Blackpool.

“But I suspect at the Championships you will see the familiar faces doing well. I can't see a big shock happening.”

He added: “For myself, I'll be going to Blackpool trying my socks off.

“I want to win three titles. I want to win four or five.

"”If I don't then I'd like to see someone like Rob Chilton or Neil Raybone win it this time. But I think it is going to be a winner everyone expects.”