JUNIOR POWERBOAT STAR TIPPED TO CONQUER THE WORLD

Wigan hot shot Ben Morse is aiming to become a powerboat racing world champion in St. Helens this weekend.

Morse, who is a four-time UK Junior Champion and a five-time British Youth Speed Record Holder, joins 80 of the fastest young men and women on the planet at the Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club for the UIM Formula Future World and Continental Youth Powerboat Championship's inaugural visit to UK waters.

Ben is still only 16, yet astonishingly he is midway through his eighth season inside the cockpit. He is racing in Class 5 alongside Northern Irishman, Rory Flannigan, for Great Britain and will compete against other teams from Malaysia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Germany, Slovakia and 2009 champions, Russia.

 "It's always an honour to represent your country and it is going to be the biggest challenge of my career so far," said Morse.

"I've never raced in a RIB EYE powerboat before - Friday will be my first time - so I will be looking to get the most out of it before Saturday's action. 2009 hasn't been the greatest year for me so far, so I am looking forward to an immediate turnaround in fortunes this weekend."