Gunnell clocks in for more

Tuesday 23rd September 2008, 11:50AM BST.

Shropshire’s Adrian Gunnell is hoping to take the snooker high road – and join the world’s top players for a prestigious tournament in Scotland.

Gunnell returns to action at Prestatyn tomorrow when he takes on either Stuart Pettman or Vincent Muldoon in qualifying for the Royal Watches Grand Prix.

The Telford cueman must win two matches – the second would be against Stuart Bingham – to reach the final stages in Aberdeen next month.

Gunnell has made a mixed start to the season, having qualified for the Northern Ireland Trophy but missing out on the Shanghai Masters.

While the 36-year-old remains short of his top form, he insists there have been encouraging signs in recent days.

“A couple of weeks ago was as low as I have felt about my game for a long time,” said Gunnell, who is ranked 36 in the world.

“But I have done some work on my attitude and technique and I have started to play better. “I’m still quite a way off my best – but I’m getting there.”