A NECK injury won’t prevent Paul Davison firing on all cylinders at the Snooker Shoot-out in Blackpool on Friday night.

The Pickering potter will enjoy his second experience of the unique atmosphere at the Tower Circus arena at Blackpool Tower when he meets Alfie Burden in the first round of the quick-fire event.

Davison made his debut in the £32,000 top prize tournament, which sees players lock horns over a singe ten minute frame under a shot-clock, 12 months ago and sneaked in this time as the last competitor in the draw.

But the heavy practiser has had his routine affected after pulling a muscle in his neck.

“I couldn’t bend down,” he said. “I’ve had some physio, and it is all right now, but I couldn’t play at all for three weeks.

“I didn’t know what to do, to be honest.”

On his match against Burden, Davison added: “I can’t wait. I’ve been practising with Nigel Bond and he has won the event.

“It’s going to be interesting. Anyone can win it and I am going to enjoy it and go for my shots.

“I will be a bit nervous. There’s 600 people cheering or booing you but the atmosphere is great.

“I was the second to last match last year, whereas this time I’m a bit earlier. It was quite rowdy then but that made it better. The more shouting, the better it is for me.

“You’ve got to make sure you think quickly, make sure you don’t miss easy balls, and take it from there. You take it all one ball at a time, just enjoy the experience and see what happens.”