Niall off to World Games

Niall, 23, is already a world title holder from the Championships in 2011, and he has set his sights on further glory when he takes part in the Singles event at the World Championships in Dortmund from November 5-10.

The Lisburn club member, who is World Dwarf Games Champion, will compete in the SS6 class (Short Stature) at the championships.

Niall said: “I am feeling really good and can’t wait to get over there. I have been involved in the bigger tournaments from 2007 so I’m getting used to it, but you have still got to expect new things and new players. There are a couple of new guys this time so you have got to keep your training up as you never know how good they could be.

“I am definitely expecting to win the singles, that’s what it is all about.”

Niall will travel with his teammates, his father Eugene and his coach Andrew Stewart, which he says allows the group to relax.

“We always train and travel together, so it’s good craic. It takes your mind off it too at night.”

Niall added: He said: “I’d like to thank Sport NI for my funding, which is Lottery funded, my father Eugene, who acts as a team manager, and my coaches Andy and Leslie Dewart for all their support.”

Niall’s personal coach Andrew Stewart said: “Niall is coming off a very successful 4 Nations and Welsh Open. He has had some nine weeks to prepare for these World Championships with three sessions a week and 2 sessions per week of strength and conditioning to add to one of matchplay. He is in a very good frame of mind. His confidence is high and he is looking forward to getting over there and taking on the best in the world at his class which is SS6 (or short stature).”