RAINFORD-based squash player Connor Sheen is targeting a place among the world’s top players after the best year of his career to date has seen him move up more than 100 places in the world rankings, Kieran Ford.

Sheen, aged 20, is entering his second year on the PSA (Professional Squash Association) world tour.

And in August this year produced the best tournament performance of his career to date, finishing as runner-up in the Bega Open in Melbourne, defeating top seed and world number 88 Joshua Larkin en route to the final.

Sheen said: “Reaching the final of a PSA 5k event is probably my greatest achievement so far.

“To travel that far and beat the world number 92 (at the time) meant a lot to me, and meant that the travelling was worth it.”

This success helped to springboard Sheen up a staggering 111 places in the world rankings.

This is something that will surely make even seasoned professionals stand up and take notice of him.

Sheen added: “I was 296 before I went out to Australia and to jump 100 places in the world doesn’t happen that much on the PSA scene.”

However, all of this success comes at a cost for Sheen, who expressed the financial limitations of being a professional sportsman at such a young age.

Sheen explained: “It’s difficult because I have to try and fund my career myself and my mum and dad have been trying to help me out as it can be really expensive.

“If you have not got that support and financial funding then it is taking away from things you could be doing to make yourself better in a shorter space of time.

“Whereas if you have sponsors then it becomes easier to get better as a player as all you have to concentrate on is training and matches.”

Sheen, who trains at Capitol Squash Club on Duke Street, has high ambitions, and is fully confident in his ability.

“I feel like I’m ready now to give it a good push and break that top 120 in the world, but if I had financial backing it would be a lot simpler as I could go to more tournaments and get big wins which I think I’m definitely capable of.”

Sheen also has long term ambitions that if he continues to perform, are easily achievable.

“In five years time I would like to be in the top 100 in the world, and pushing to get into World Series events which are the biggest events on the squash calendar.”

These are big ambitions from the youngster who is determined to make the most of his career on the court.

If you are interested in potentially funding or sponsoring Connor Sheen you can contact him directly on 07946775045 or con_sheen@hotmail.co.uk