Upwardly mobile Terry Murphy could soon be rubbing shoulders with snooker's elite, especially if he can score a 'home' win at the Benson and Hedges Snooker Championship starting in Malvern on Bonfire Night.

By his own admission the Kidderminster based professional's career has been something of a damp squib in recent years. And while he is not predicting fireworks at the Willie Thorne Snooker Club, Murphy believes he's lit the blue touch paper to a brighter future thanks to his recent performances at the Grand Prix in Telford.

The Ulster-born left hander reached the last 16, finally losing to former world champion and world number one John Higgins.

His extended run at the second ranking event of the season has boosted his world ranking to 24th, having started the 2000-2001 campaign stationed at number 30.

Snooker's top 16 premier league is now within sight for the 28-year-old from Derry, currently in his 10th season as a member of the paid ranks. "At least I am competing again which I felt I haven't been doing for the last couple of years," said Murphy, seeded through to round three of the B & H Snooker Championship.

"John Parris, who is one of the top cue makers, has made me an ash replica of a maple cue I had and that's made a big difference.

"It was disappointing losing to John knowing that he was intending to withdraw to attend his brother's wedding.

"Had I managed to beat him it would have taken me straight into the semi-final. But there were plenty of positives I can take out of the Grand Prix."

Murphy said he was now hoping to add some consistency to his snooker.

"My victory against Nick Dyson was the first time I'd won a match on television and the first time I think I'd come back from 4-1 down to win 5-4.

"At the end of it I felt like a million dollars. I know my game is not that far away. It's so frustrating knowing how good you are but then not producing the goods on a consistent basis.

"I feel my best is good enough to get me in the top 16 but I don't often prove it. I sometimes switch off in matches and you can't afford to do that against guys like John, Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan."

Victory in the final will earn him £5,000, automatic entry into the 2001 B & H Masters and a guaranteed pay packet of £10,500 for his appearance against Asian ace Marco Fu at Wembley Conference Centre.

Murphy was within sight of the jackpot 12 months ago only losing 5-4 in the last eight to Gary Ponting. It was his best ever result in the B & H Championship in eight attempts though he is one of only two players in the history of the competition to make a maximum 147 break.

Murphy's preparation for the even has involved regular practice sessions with Dave Finbow at his Alfrick home plus trips to Scotland for friendly matches against former B & H winner Chris Small.

"Practising with Chris has put me in a good frame of mind because he is so competitive," says Murphy. "He hates losing and that's rubbing off on me".

Jimmy White will once again be the biggest draw card in Malvern though other names to look out for include defending champion Ali Carter, 1996 winner Brian Morgan, a Grand Prix winner over Stephen Hendry, former world number three Neal Foulds plus Maureen McCarthy from Worcester, the only lady in the field, Finbow, Richard King from Bewdley and Ian Hurdman from Droitwich Spa.

Admission to the tournament is free and further information can be obtained from the Willie Thorne Snooker Club on 01684 892147.