CWMBRAN'S Darryl James is heading to Qatar for the IBSF World Snooker Championship next month.

The amateur star helped Wales win the 2016 Home International Billiards and Snooker Federation Masters title in Leeds back in August.

After a good year he also qualified for the European amateur championships in Lithuania and the world team event in Egypt but was unable to attend either due to work commitments.

But James, who works at St Woolos Hospital in Newport, has managed to negotiate time off to compete with the world’s best amateurs – including fellow Welshman Darren Morgan – in Doha from November 18 to November 29.

“It has been difficult because I can’t use all my holiday up attending events,” said James.

“I missed the Europeans and the world team event because I just couldn’t get there but I definitely made sure I got time off for Qatar.”

To help with the cost of the trip James is looking for sponsors and he’s hosting a fundraising event at Redz Snooker Hall in Oldbury Road in Cwmbran on Wednesday, November 9.

Former world champion Ken Doherty will be involved on the night and tickets are available from the club on 01633 483437.

James is looking forward to the experience of playing at the Al-Sadd Club Stadium and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium even if he comes up against compatriot Morgan, one of the favourites for the masters title.

Each country is allowed to send a maximum of three players in the men’s competition, three in the masters and four in the women’s competition.

Each region is also allowed to send the winner of its regional championship.

“Darren is the number one so he is funded,” said James.

“He’s obviously a fantastic player and he knocked me out of a masters tournament last week but I’ll be happy to take him on again.”