Bicester ace James Tatton is hoping to follow in Shaun Murphy's footsteps after breaking into the world's top 64.

The 26-year-old has guaranteed himself between £15,000 and £20,000 next season by finishing in the top six on the Pontin's Holidays World Challenge Tour.

And having made the grade at the first attempt, Tatton says Murphy's surprise World Championship success has inspired him to aim higher.

He said: "I know Shaun Murphy and I used to beat him all the time.

"He was the first qualifier to win at the Crucible since Terry Griffiths in 1979.

"It makes you realise that if you are determined to go all the way, you can.

"He had never been to a semi-final or a final beforehand so he is a big inspiration for me.

"Next year I will be in all the main nine tournaments.

"I will be two or three games away from playing a Stephen Hendry or a Jimmy White."

Tatton has practised at Bicester County Snooker Club for the past three years.

Having topped the amateur rankings, he has spent just one season on the challenge tour before qualifying for the big time.

He said: "Even if I didn't win a match I still might stay in the top 96.

"But if I get off to a good start I may be able to get into the top 32. I'm not afraid about playing anyone."

He added: "In the last two years I have started with a semi-final and a win.

"If I can do that again it will give me the confidence to go on from there."

Before the new season begins in the autumn, Tatton will be supplementing his table time with gym sessions to get the edge on his rivals.

Tatton has come a long way in the last three years and Bicester County Snooker Club proprietor Ken Thorpe believes he can go even further.

"James has got it, there's no doubt that he can do it. I'm really, really pleased for him, he said.

"I've been involved in snooker for about 35 years and have seen some good players over the years, but he could be the best.

"He is the first Oxfordshire player to get into the top 64 since Dave Martin years and years ago."

The club has provided Tatton with thousands of pounds of practice time and is now buying a Riley Aristocrat table, the make used on the main tour.

It will continue to support Tatton, but he is also looking for a big sponsor to help meet his rising costs.