Bristol's latest professional sports rising star, 20 year old Judd Trump, has thrown his weight behind the bid to bring World Cup football to the city in 2018.

An avid Bristol City FC fan, Judd was born and raised in Whitchurch. He has qualified for his first Premier League Snooker after winning the Championship League earlier this year and now resides at the top of the results table for the event after just three performances.

Judd will meet reigning Premier League Snooker title holder, Ronnie O'Sullivan, whom he has already beaten once before, at Exeter's Riverside Leisure Centre on 5th November. He will then play World Champion John Higgins when the competition visits Hutton Moor Leisure Centre, Weston-super-Mare, for the first time on 12th November.

Judd commented on his support for the 'Back Bristol' campaign:

"The World Cup bid is a fantastic opportunity for professional and amateur sports players from the region to build their name on an international level."

"The prospect of having a world class stadium and facilities at Bristol City FC will give the potential for further investment in sport across the West, and I think this enthusiasm will be reflected across a range of sports.

"Most importantly for the future of Bristol sport, the recognition that comes with winning the bid will allow more young players the chance to be successful."

This autumn will see Judd play his first televised competitions in the West, as Premier League Snooker comes to the region, courtesy of promoter and venue sourcer Nigel Oldfield, Director of Nailsea-based sports events and sponsorship companies NOSP (Nigel Oldfield Sports Promotions) and Sporting Matters.

Judd commented: "To qualify for the Premier League Snooker is my biggest achievement to date. I'm looking forward to the challenge of competing against the world's biggest players and hope for a good local crowd of local supporters."

Nigel Oldfield commented: "The West Country has in the past been missed on the sports event circuit, but with initiatives such as Bristol's World Cup bid and the 2012 Olympics training camps and sailing venues planned, the region can prove itself as a host for top level sport."

Tickets can be purchased on 01934 425 900. Alternatively, for more information visit www.premierleaguesnooker.com or join the Premier League Snooker facebook group.